Story
I’m not going to give too much detail about the plot, other than to reassure. It is a Stranger Things story, but it does not alter what fans will have seen in the show so far. It also can be watched by anyone, no matter their level of Hawkins knowledge they have.
While I’ve questioned some of the character inclusions, I will admit it’s more my saltiness at the absence of gone-too-soon Benny Hammond. It was the only hope I had; seeing what the diner owner’s friendship with Hopper was like.
It is something quite enchanting about having the backstory of Henry Creel fleshed out and, as a story, it works being in a different format and for those familiar with season 4, will feel themselves on the edge of their seat as the narrative cranks up to events we already know of.
I was sold on seeing this play from the start, but the fact that it includes time with the younger versions of Jim, Joyce and Bob was too good to pass up and this is where the true element of Stranger Things comes to life: the powerless, becoming empowered and learning about themselves while looking into a town-based mystery. Of course there perhaps would have been a different ending without having to be written to the confines of the franchise, but the play still ends with an ending that will satisfy.
Production
The show takes what was started with the production of The Cursed Child, an incredible feat in its own right, and refines the skills and techniques to perform what I can only describe as magic.
Again, not something I want to spoil by going into detail, but it’s safe to say that the method and quality of bringing the Upsidedown to life will leave all enthralled. It’s clear money has been well spent to keep the show up to the production value of the streaming show. Even the song choices are as on point as the show.
Casting
I could speak about every single person who is in the play. It is very much an understatement to say that this is a well cast production before you even begin to think about the boots they’ve had to fill.
Isabella Pappas and Christopher Buckley play Joyce and Bob respectively. Their performances are perfect. For me, these two are mimics of Ryder and Austin and winning the audience over in that respect is what makes the show work as well as it does. From mannerisms to characterisation, they are the teens that our favourite Hawkins’ adults become.
Oscar Lloyd gives an incredible performance as the boy who will become the beloved grouch, Jim Hopper. Most importantly, he didn’t make me miss David Harbour. Instead he gave me a Hopper, while far from carefree, void of the trauma of war and loss. Lloyd is perhaps the least like the character from the show, and is something that comes across as a choice and rightly so. The other thing I absolutely adore about Oscar Lloyd and his performance? You could easily cast him as Steve Harrington; the charm, the movement on the stage and the look. This may seem like a strange compliment to most, however take a look at photos of a young David Harbour and you’ll understand why.
Finally, in his stage debut, is Louis McCartney as Henry Creel with an incredible challenge of not only fleshing out the dark big bad from season four, but making him a character the audience feels for.
Not only is he successful in this, he is able to do so while keeping the idea of Vecna/One intact. From his arrival into Hawkins, to the acceptance of his fate you are captivated by him. You’re also on the journey with Henry, and if McCartney was not able to win over the audience and subvert those expectations of the character so quickly, it would not work.
When it comes to the physicality of the role, I am in awe. How he has managed to keep up the energy while contorting his body to represent his interaction with the mind flayer is mind blowing.
Final Thoughts
It is a blessing and a curse that I am no longer a resident of London. I am incredibly sad because I don’t know when I’ll get back to watch, however I also know I would be bankrupt going repeatedly, spotting all the little bits I’ve missed this first time around.
I very much hope they publish the script and, should it be turned into a version for the streaming platform, this original cast is used.
The Queens of Geekdom 