The West End turns upside down … Stranger Things: The First Shadow – in pictures

Netflix’s phenomenally successful sci-fi horror saga continues with a new stage production, now running at the Phoenix theatre in London. Here’s an exclusive first look

All photographs by Manuel Harlan

Main image: Louis McCartney (Henry Creel) and Ella Karuna Williams (Patty Newby) Photograph: Manuel Harlan


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  • Isabella Pappas, centre, as Joyce Maldonado, the role played on screen by Winona Ryder. The play is set in Hawkins in 1959, more than 20 years before the first series.
    Isabella Pappas, centre, as Joyce Maldonado, the role played on screen by Winona Ryder. The play is set in Hawkins in 1959, more than 20 years before the first series.

  • The play is written by Kate Trefry. The original story is by the Duffer Brothers (the series’ creators), Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry
    Louis McCartney (Henry Creel), Calum Ross (Walter Henderson), Maisie Norma Seaton (Claudia Yount)

  • The play gives an origin story for the mysterious Henry Creel, played by Louis McCartney. The play is directed by Stephen Daldry with co-director Justin Martin
    Louis McCartney (Henry Creel)

  • McCartney, left, as Creel with Patrick Vaill, right, as Dr Brenner. The set design is by Miriam Buether
    Louis McCartney (Henry Creel), Patrick Vaill (Dr Brenner)

  • Pappas as Joyce, Christopher Buckley as Bob Newby and Oscar Lloyd, right, as James Hopper Jr, the character played in later life on screen by David Harbour
    Isabella Pappas (Joyce Maldonado), Christopher Buckley (Bob Newby), Oscar Lloyd (James Hopper Jr)

  • Shane Attwooll, far right, plays Hopper’s father who is a police chief
    Oscar Lloyd (James Hopper Jr), Shane Attwooll (Chief Hopper)

  • Costume design is by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting by Jon Clark, sound by Paul Arditti, illusions design and visual effects by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, and video design and visual effects by 59 Productions
    Louis McCartney (Henry Creel)

  • Matt and Ross Duffer said the play features the early years of familiar characters as well as bringing new characters to life. ‘We couldn’t be more thrilled and can’t wait for you to meet them all live on stage. See you in London, nerds!’
    Louis McCartney (Henry Creel), Patrick Vaill (Dr Brenner)

  • The original music and arrangements are by DJ Walde, the choreography by Coral Messam and movement direction by Lynne Page
    Louis McCartney (Henry Creel)

  • McCartney as Creel with Ella Karuna Williams as Patty Newby. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is booking until 25 August
    Louis McCartney (Henry Creel), Ella Karuna Williams (Patty Newby)
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