If you liked Stranger Things the NETFLIX TV show that became a worldwide phenomenon, this theatre production, playing at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End will blow your mind. Literally and metaphorically.

But if you have arrived from another planet and don’t know the Stranger Things universe then don’t let that put you off. The story is a prequel so it goes back in time, so in theory you could watch the production then dive into the TV series, however you would miss the nuances.
So, what’s the fuss all about.
It is in essence a story about strange things that happen to children in small town America, called Hawkins.

The narrative stays close to the spirit of the original show and indeed this amazing theatrical production is an original story by the Duffer Brothers, who also directed the hit Sci-Fi/horror TV show. We go back to the beginning where we get to see main characters Joyce, Bob, Hopper and others at High School where they begin to tap into the mysterious and dangerous world of the “Upside Down”.
The Upside Down is, “an alternative dimension that mirrors our world, an extra dimension that can be accessed through a mystical portal.”
The action starts in 1959, where pets are mysteriously dying, and the audience are taken on a scary and exhilarating ride that includes flashbacks to season four of the show.
The show starts with type writing on the curtain that tells of the disappearance of a naval ship and a laboratory experiment (Project Rainbow) that explains the birth of the Upside Down. All very enigmatic.
Then there is the iconic floating red letters and music from the TV show that add to the atmosphere of mystery and unease.

Things settle down as we see Henry Creel (Louis McCartney), the new kid in Hawkins who brings dark magical powers to proceedings and has a strange romance with Patty (Ella Karuma Williams) and a frightening relationship with Dr Brenner.
The first section of the show is very intense with horror film like jump scares, and I found myself watching through spread fingers. The second act is named (CHAPTER TWO, Captain Midnight), it still had moments where the audience jumped out of their seats, but maybe because we were all getting used to the eerie surprises the action settled down.
If you are unaware of the plot of Stranger Things, then this may sound a bit confusing, but I can assure you that you will be able to pick up the story line quickly as the production goes on. For the fan, there are lots of small references and details to enjoy that add depth and lead brilliantly into the TV show.

The chemistry between and the acting from the cast was unbelievably good, especially from actor Louis McCartney who you wouldn’t realise that he was making his professional theatre debut. Isabella Pappas who portrays Joyce Maldonado was so good that you did not miss Hollywood star Winona Ryder (who portrayed Joyce on screen). She was that tremendous.

The sets are spectacular and cleverly done. The standout was where Henry is blindfolded (goes into the void) and remote travels into a darkness dimension where he tries to find Patty’s mother. Suffice to say it is uncannily spooky, there are loads of water on the stage floor and it is very effective.
The costumes are excellent, especially from the 1950’s and you really get a sense of that era.
The music is very evocative, ranging from unnerving to exciting and never fails to help create atmosphere and drive the action forward. Much of the music is the same as the TV show, which has become iconic and for me, works even better for the stage.
The underlining darker themes that are explored in the show are sympathetically explored and do not feel exploitive. The psychopathy of war and anxieties of being “normal” are just two of these themes.
The audience was rapt, and you couldn’t hear a sound during the show apart from me jumping out of my seat. I don’t like jumps! There was a standing ovation at the end which tells you a lot about the impact Stranger Things had on the audience, especially me!
This screen to stage show does not just rehash that same story as the one seen on TV, and this is one reason why Stranger Things stands apart from other Theatre adaptations of screen favourites. By giving fans and newbies an original story, this parallel universe is a world winner. I loved it. ‘This theatrical experience is not normal, but that’s a good thing’ – Stranger Things First Shadow.
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