Need something to scratch that Stranger Things itch? Already finished your seventeenth binge watch? Bemoaning the now sadly-gone Stranger Things experience? Well, with filming on Season 5 of the Netflix smash-hit show reportedly starting this year, it’s looking unlikely we’ll hear more from Eleven, Mike, and the rest of the Hawkins kids, until at least 2024. But, brace yourselves, because a Stranger Things play is coming to London to fill that Eddie-Munson-shaped hole in your life.
London’s Phoenix Theatre will stage the new production in its world premiere, in late 2023. Titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the play promises an insight into Hawkins in 1959 – “Before the world turned upside down”.
What’s it about?
Netflix dropped a cheeky little teaser on their Instagram page. It reveals very little – but it has set pulses racing, nonetheless.
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The play synopsis reads:
“Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.”
While we’re sad that the story won’t focus on the gang we’ve grown to know and love like old friends (we’ve basically watched them grow up – the show premiered in July of 2016 after all!). We can’t pretend we’re not absolutely STOKED at an origin-story piece all about Henry Creel prior to becoming the fearsome Vecna.
The stage play will work off an original story from the Duffer Brothers, with a script from Stranger Things writer and co-executive producer Kate Trefry. Tony-winning director Stephen Daldry will be supported by co-direction from Justin Martin as they helm the sure-to-be-a-hit play.
Said Duffer Brothers:
“Collaborating with the brilliant Stephen Daldry has been nothing short of inspiring, and Kate Trefry has written a play that is at turns surprising, scary and heartfelt. You will meet endearing new characters, as well as very familiar ones, on a journey into the past that sets the groundwork for the future of ‘Stranger Things.’ We’re dying to tell you more about the story but won’t — it’s more fun to discover it for yourself. Can’t wait to see you nerds in London!”
How to see the Stranger Things play
Tickets are not yet available for the production, but will go on sale in the Spring. The show will take place at the Phoenix Theatre, in late 2023. The theatre is found at Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0JP. The nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
Sign up for priority access to tickets at the Stranger Things On Stage website.
The post A Stranger Things Play Is Coming To The West End Later This Year appeared first on Secret London.
