Stranger Things: The First Shadow Review (Phoenix Theatre, London)

27 December 2024 I 19:00 I Phoenix Theatre, London

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I rarely return to performances repeatedly, though upon my fourth visit to see Stranger Things: The First Shadow, this is testament itself to the ultimately addictive power this play holds. Creating a prologue to the hit Netflix series, the supernatural themes would have left me skeptical in how this would be translated to stage. Needless to say, I am forever impressed by the otherworld that manifests before audiences. The television series is a passive watch. Heading to London's Phoenix Theatre, the monster is in the space with you, and it is dangerously thrilling.

With an original story from Kate Trefry, Jack Thorne and the Duffer Brothers, viewers are invited into the origins of misunderstood antagonist Henry Creel, showcasing both familiar and new characters to the canon. It isn't necessary to have seen the series beforehand, particularly as action takes place before the narratives we know.

Nevertheless, it will heavily satisfy the die-hard fans, observing character's younger counterparts. With immaculately well-studied mannerisms that bear remarkable likeness to actors such as Winona Ryder and Jamie Campbell Bower, the spirit of these roles are embodied as we traverse mediums.

Miriam Buether's proscenium arch design is intelligent, creating a multi-dimensional set that often branches beyond the stage space to lure audiences into Hawkins. This has been my first time seeing the show on the front row of the stalls, and the immersive sensory qualities really up the intensity. Notably in one of theatre's historically greatest openings scenes (endless praise to Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher's illusion design), wind, haze and secret special effects create a physically arresting atmosphere, to the point I almost forget to breathe from the tension!

Newly cast as Henry Creel, Louis Healy carries the torch magnificently, with a unique characterisation that gives him an affirmed humanity. Indeed his presence can be unnerving, yet heightening this aspect of a boy attempting to be 'normal' induces greater sympathy than previous performers. Initially reserved, this gives Healy a powerful distance to reach boiling point.

Portraying Virginia Creel, Lauren O'Neil is expertly confrontational as they feed off one another's paranoid energy. Every bone of your body remains tense and unmoving across the three-hour run time. For those concerned about this, the spectacular nature of the play oftentimes accelerates the pace. And alike the cinematic episode lengths of Season Four, not a second is wasted.

This stage creation is majorly successful due to the theatricality of newly introduced roles, with Michael Murray leaving a memorable impression as Alan Munson. Direction appears minimal as he utilises his own comedic craft to uniquely identify Munson as hysterically unhinged. Be prepared for a lot of thrusting in delightfully welcome comic relief! Introducing Patty Newby, Miranda Mufema is immensely enjoyable, presenting a vulnerable innocence that tugs the audience's heart. Mufema is a remarkable addition to the cast, where her plucky initiative inspires thoughts on how Patty's character can migrate into the series.

Audiences may not expect a musical number during the performance, with choreography from Coral Messam, landing tremendously to align with the unexpected. The First Shadow stylistically changes to keep viewers engaged, and these are impressively intertwined with post-war American histories and aesthetics. Observing the Philadelphia Experiment, and how a maritime non-fiction mystery is not too distant to the enigmas we create.

Under Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin's direction, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is simply impeccable. Lending to Harrison and Fisher's illusions, the impossible happens. Bodies are heavily grounded, yet impossibly ephemeral. On visit four, I still get waves of shivers and goosebumps in my seat, viscerally affecting like you could never expect. Updating my review from August to mark a sensational new cast, I felt desperate to write about the show once again! I hope my enthusiasm leaps out from the screen, as my five stars cannot do this justice. The play of the year, even decade, without question.

Go back to where it all began, and you may discover the key to the end: https://uk.strangerthingsonstage.com/