More information has been revealed about the upcoming play Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Set more than 20 years before the events of Netflix’s hit science fiction horror drama series, the 2023 production in London’s West End will following existing characters Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Henry Creel when they were younger.
The new play is written by Stranger Things TV series writer and co-executive producer Kate Trefry and directed by The Crown’s Stephen Daldry with co-director Prima Facie’s Justin Martin.
On Wednesday, the producers said the new story will open in 1959 in Hawkins as a young Hopper’s car fails to start, Newby’s sister does not take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado tries to graduate and leave.
Teasing the new play, the producers said a new student, Creel arrives, and his family find “a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach” as the beginning of Stranger Things “may hold the key to the end”.
Matt and Ross Duffer, who are the creators, directors and executive producers of the Netflix series, said: “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.”
It is produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions as Duffer Brothers act as creative producers and Stranger Things producer 21 Laps serve as associate producers.
Sonia Friedman, whose company produced the hit play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, said London will host the “incredible story” for now as a “world class creative team” builds on the Duffer Brothers “boundless imagination to dream up an unbelievably exciting theatrical event for our audiences”.
Greg Lombardo, VP Live Experiences for Netflix said: “Stranger Things has captured the imagination of fans around the world and we are incredibly thrilled to expand this exciting universe with Netflix’s first live stage production.”
During the streaming giant’s series – which has run for four seasons – police chief Hopper was played by David Harbour, Sean Astin took on the role of Radioshack manager Newby and Jamie Campbell Bower and Raphael Luce portrayed Creel.
Fans can register for ticket access to Stranger Things: The First Shadow – which is based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child writer Jack Thorne and Trefry – here www.strangerthingsonstage.com.
Details of when tickets will go on sale in the spring will be announced next month.
The play will open in late 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre in London.
