I went to see if with my teenage daughter. I never watched the TV show so I didn’t know what to expect. My mind was blown. Outstanding Performance by the whole cast but especially the main lead. Absol... See more
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Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a new stage play at the Phoenix Theatre, London. Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, who take theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension, this gripping new adventure will take you right back to the beginning of the Stranger Things story – and may hold the key to the end.
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United Kingdom
- strangerthingsonstage.com
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Outstanding
WOW, what an amazing show. I took my 13 year old who loves the Netflix show and he was engrossed from the start to end. There was a slight delay in the show starting on time but the staff made sure everyone got to their seats to stop any further delays. We were row R in the stalls and there were a couple of parts we had to duck down to see but it didn’t hinder our experience. You need to have watch the tv series before seeing this to understand what is going on as reading some reviews people hadn’t. My son hasn’t stopped talking about the production since we got home. Absolutely amazing.
Firstly tickets were overpriced
Firstly tickets were overpriced. Didn’t feel that the swearing and sexual references were necessary or suitable for children aged 12. The actors kept talking over each other/shouted. They spoke way too quickly through a lot of it. I couldn’t make head nor tail of what was going on. Too many actors on the stage at a time I didn’t know who to watch. My husband and children loved it but I couldn’t wait for it to end. On a positive note the actor who played the doctor was great. Could understand every word he said and spoke at a sensible speed. The special effects were impressive. You really need to have watched the TV show prior to seeing this (which I hadn’t done) otherwise you won’t understand what this is about. Really disappointing and an expensive day out.
Ok watch. Not worth the money.
Was ok. The first 10mins was exciting & immersive. Was pretty boring after that. Nothing like the show. The storyline of hopper & joyce as teenagers not very interesting. Not a fan of 50s Americans humour either.
I paid alot of money for a decent seat. Wasnt worth it.
Dont recommend if you are looking for the same thrill as the Netflix series.
Great show. Great directing and overall concept
Great show. Great visuals.
In generall I d say overall score 9.5/10
Actors 8.5/10
Directing 10/10
Visuals 10/10
Concept 10/10
Story 10/10
Worth to know a bit about stranger things series before going.
Take rows from 4th row at least and dont take 2 seat lines from sides as they dont see the whole scene. Sometimes needed.
I wouldnt take balcony seats as they seem much worse than middle
Choice of seats can affect your view
Watched the production Friday 08 August, was bought as a present by wife who had seen it before, and managed to get front row seats. However the height of the stage meant that some scenes were difficult to see fully, and there was a bit of neck stretching going on, was fine for my wife as she knew what was happening. My advice for a first timer is to look for row E or back. Saying that really enjoyed the show and highly recommend to anyone familiar with the series, though would suggest you re-watch season 4 before attending
I'm surprised that 80% liked the show
I'm surprised that 80% liked the show, and regarding that, the theater was not suitable for this type of show, too many restrictions, and too many scenes where it was very easy to get lost in what was happening, including the fact that I've seen the entire series on TV. The effects were very good, but it's truly not yet ready for the theater. I won't repeat it, and I don't recommend it, too much money.
Thrillingly Poignant
A coming-of-age romance tragedy. Absolutely captivating character acting, immersive production and vivid effects.
A must see.
(and see again)
Show cancelled!
Birthday present for my twelve year old daughter who had been waiting for this day for months, we planned a trip from Italy for this event. Arriving in front of the theater they tell us that the show is canceled! No communication to let us know, no explanation, no help to find a solution. The show is canceled! That's it! We asked if there was the next day so as to do everything possible to not waste a wasted trip but they were unable to give us any information. Unbelievable! Nothing like this has ever happened before! I have no words!
Boom this packs a punch audio and…
Boom this packs a punch audio and visual effects are like being hit with thunder. The story line was easy to follow if you are familiar with the series. The reason I knocked off a star was the American accents which at times made it difficult to understand the dialogue. Take a drink and some sweeties because it's a longer production.
This is a great show full of amazing…
This is a great show full of amazing special affects. The sets are great. The actors do a great job pulling you into the story, funny and serous. An amazing show all round, definitely my favourite show to date. Well recommended.
The same thrills of the TV show but on stage..excellent!!
Having watched (and loved) all of the Stranger Things Netflix show I believe that they've done a fantastic job on this stage show. The quality of what you see on the stage to the quality of the TV show are on a par with each other, the stage show delivers a great story which gives the same 'feels' that the TV show does, thrills and surprises with 'early' versions of the TV show characters. Plus, the special effects delivered in 'real life' are superbly well done. I would thoroughly recommend this if you liked the Netflix show.
A must see will captivate you!
I guess it was better than I had expected so a great surprise for me! Not previously a TV watcher of stranger after about 8 episodes need to do some catching up!
I genuinely found it spellbinding and scary!
Very good show
Very good show. My son and I visit your theater and it was special and great actors. We were very impressed.
Absolutely incredible
Absolutely incredible. The script was brilliant, and the special effects were genuinely award-worthy just outstanding. I absolutely loved it. You’ve managed to create something visually stunning that completely immerses you in the Stranger Things universe.
My only criticism is regarding the age suitability. The show is rated 12+, but I feel that some of the sexual references and the use of the word “Fxxk” are not necessary and don’t align with that age recommendation. My daughter is 12 and has seen Stranger Things, so we felt this would be similar in tone. However, the simulated sexual act by the chief felt too much for a family audience and, in my opinion, wasn’t essential to the story.
That would be my only criticism. If not for the language and a few overly mature references, I would be enthusiastically recommending it to all my friends. What you’ve created is visually breathtaking and captures the spirit of Stranger Things in such an immersive and unforgettable way.
I went to see if with my teenage…
I went to see if with my teenage daughter. I never watched the TV show so I didn’t know what to expect. My mind was blown. Outstanding Performance by the whole cast but especially the main lead. Absolutely brilliant production in all aspects- casting, creative team, special effects, all outstanding. Highly recommend it. If possible get tix further from the stage. We were in row c and I wish we were a few rows further or even on the top. I would definitely watch it again.
Absolutely amazing
Absolutely amazing. The staging was superb. Hard to tell reality from special effects. Highly recommend.
Best Show I’ve Seen
Incredible. The performance from the entire cast, the special effects, sound and set design was phenomenal. Everything ran so smoothly and highlighted how much thought had gone into making this production. It was brilliant; will be going again!
Awesome
Great Acting. Story is the prequal to the series with Some continuity with the series, people names.
Amazing stage planning and effects. I can't sing it's praises highly enough. Fairly small theatre which adds to the intimacy and impact of the effects. If you think you would like to see it....don't hesitate! Book!
If you have sensitive hearing there are some very loud disconcerting noises now and again.
Real Disgrace
We had seats in the stalls, row Q. A third of the stage was invisible. That's a real disgrace, especially for a play that boasts visuals and effects.
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