We chatted to Edie about joining the London production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre.
Hi Edie, how have you found the experience of working on Stranger Things: The First Shadow? There’s so much to talk about. Doing eight shows a week can be strenuous but is extremely rewarding and I know I’ll finish the year stronger for it. The cast work hard to keep performances fresh and exciting for audiences, but there’s also plenty of laughter and goofiness behind the scenes! It’s been amazing to see what goes into putting a show at this scale together – from world class directors to stage management and crew, Lx team, automation, sound, wardrobe, the fire officers, movement captains, Wigs, Hair and Make Up (WHAM) and so many more. Then there are the brilliant staff at the theatre that keep the front-of-house running, and the warm reception at the stage door!
Being such a huge television show, what do you feel that the stage show brings to the story? I think it marries the wonder of screen with theatre beautifully and gives fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Hawkins. You get to see how it all began, with your most loved adult characters from the TV show as teenagers – you’re almost getting one long Stranger Things episode live right in front of you, what fan wouldn’t want that! There are also plenty of references to the TV show and Easter eggs for fans to look out for.
How does it feel to be taking on one of the iconic characters? It feels incredibly exciting! I care deeply about this character and really want to do her justice.
Winona is an icon and so is Joyce. She’s a badass who thinks outside the box and will go to any lengths for those she loves.
What made you want to be part of the production initially? I’m a big Stranger Things fan. I’ve grown up watching and re watching every series as soon as it came out. I was over the moon that my first job on leaving drama school was being part of such an iconic
show in the Stranger Things universe.
How would you describe the show for those who are unfamiliar with the Netflix series and coming to see the show for the first time? I think the show itself is such an insane spectacle. The tech really pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in theatre, leaving you blown away, with no idea how the stunts and effects are done. You don’t need to have seen the TV show to appreciate it, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a
brilliant standalone piece and a great watch for non-theatre goers as an introduction to theatre.
What would you say the main appeal of Stranger Things is? There is something iconic about it all being set in the 80s, it made me feel nostalgic for a time I never knew – the hair, the clothes, the music. I love the idea of dungeons and dragons in the basement!
But with the theatre show set in the 50s the appeal isn’t lost as the world of Hawkins means more than the time frame it’s set in.
By Emma Clarendon
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