'Stranger Things' Adapted for the London Stage

The critically acclaimed Netflix series Stranger Things has transcended the realm of television, making its theatrical debut in London with a play that delves into the origins of the "Upside Down." The premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow took place on Thursday evening at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End, drawing an illustrious crowd, including the series' leading actor David Harbour, who attended with his spouse, British singer Lily Allen.
The theatrical adaptation of Stranger Things, serving as a prequel to the globally celebrated series whose fourth season was released in May, unfolds in the small American town of Hawkins, Indiana. Set approximately two decades prior to the events of Stranger Things, the narrative explores the youth of iconic characters such as Jim Hopper and Joyce Byers, portrayed by David Harbour and Winona Ryder in the series. The play weaves a tale of confronting "shadows of the past," blending elements of horror, science fiction and adventure.

The creators of the play assert that it transports the audience "to the beginning of the Stranger Things story, and may well hold the key to its conclusion." This adaptation has been directed by Stephen Daldry, known for his work on The Crown and Billy Elliot, and penned by Kate Trefry, who contributed to the series alongside its creators, the Duffer brothers. The production is a collaborative effort between Netflix and British producer Sonia Friedman, a renowned figure in both the West End and Broadway.
Stranger Things, celebrated for its revival of 1980s pop aesthetics, stands as one of Netflix's most monumental successes since its inception in 2016. Situated a generation after the events of the play, the series chronicles the escapades of a group of teenagers confronting monsters from a terrifying parallel dimension known as the "Upside Down." According to the streaming platform, its fourth and penultimate season captivated approximately 140 million viewers worldwide.
With AFP.
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