The hit Netflix series heads to the stage in this suitably thrilling and dark prequel to the original story.
If you want to see just how far theatre has advanced in providing incredible visuals through a variety of means, then you need to get yourself to the Phoenix Theatre to catch this dazzling and breathtaking production that brings the popular show to fans and newcomers in a whole new way.
Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, the story sees a gang of teenagers trying to understand what is happening when a series of supernatural events happen – particularly when they start happening around the time of the arrival of Henry Creel, a mysterious and potentially dangerous boy who has special powers with the potential to destroy the town (which apparently links up with the events of series 4) . Despite being set in the 1950’s, the vibe of this production does bring to mind more of a 1980’s science fiction film – but with twice the amount of scares, this is no bad thing of course as it heightens the tension and drama beautifully.
It has to be said that it is difficult to talk about this show in many ways, without trying to give away any of the spoilers or effects (which I’m still trying and failing to see how they are done), but suffice to say there are plenty of standout moments from the grim and terrifying opening sequence to more subtle moments in which the audience is kept guessing as to what is going to happen next. Despite it all happening in front of your very eyes, there are sequences in which you feel immersed in this terrifying world – which is very much to the credit of the illusions and effects designers Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher whose work is captivating to witness.
Having never watched the tv series, I was a bit worried coming into this that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the concept behind the story, but Kate Trefry and Jack Thorne’s intense and yet clear script means that the story and characters are accessible to all. Every character has been well developed, leading to some brilliant performances from the cast – not least Louis McCartney as Henry Creel capturing the darkness at the centre of the character with chilling brilliance but also also giving the character a sense of vulnerability at the scale of his powers, leaves you in anticipation of what is next in store for the character. Meanwhile, Ella Karuna Williams as Patty delivers a refreshing and enjoyable performance really highlighting the journey the character goes on in great detail, while Patrick Vaill as Dr Brenner gives a charismatic and subtle portrayal of a man wanting to find out more about what lies behind Henry Creel’s powers.
Another strength to Trefry and Thorne’s script is the way in which it manages to balance out the more intense scenes with more conventional ones (such as the ones set at the school where the teenagers are trying to plan a school play) to make it feel like a well-rounded piece that takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions. You are literally on the edge of your seat by the end.
Director Stephen Daldry has created a production that starts with so much intensity that it doesn’t fail to capture the audience’s attention from stat to finish. It does have to be said that perhaps some of the energy does disappear slightly in the second act, but by this point the audience are thoroughly invested in what is happening, it is a small flaw in what is an incredibly well put together production.
This is a thrilling production and it is full credit to the entire creative team, including Miriam Buether’s cleverly conceived set design, Paul Arditti’s chilling and haunting sound design, and Jon Clark’s fantastically atmospheric lighting design to name a few that it all works so brilliant to leave audiences exhilarated as well as unnerved (well this audience member certainly was slightly scared…). Quite a theatrical achievement and one guaranteed to run in the West End for a while yet.
By Emma Clarendon
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐