Stranger Things - The First Shadow Reviews

Rachael from Stourbridge England

AMAZING

This is the best show I have ever seen! The effects are out of this world and its really well put together. 5 stars easy!!!

ALAIN from London, England

STUNNING

Adrenaline rush with great acting, set pieces and special effects. Top notch. Loved this show, one of the best. Do yourself a favour and don't research spoilers in advance. Loved it!

Jane G Jones from London, England

WHAT A SPECTACLE!

Amazing show, which blends enough familiar elements from the series with new aspects to keep it fresh. The production was sublime, I felt immersed in the ST world. The staging, effects, acting (hello Joyce & Henry), atmosphere were fabulous. Rate it as one of the best experiences I've had in the West End - a real trip. I can't give too much away as you really want to know as little as possible before going. I wasn't alone in my view - as the standing ovation and whoops at the end proved. Totally exceeded expectations (and I'm not even an ST die-hard.) well done all. Hope it runs for a very long time. General - not for under 10s? Theatre was comfortable. Best ladies restroom (circle) I've seen in a theatre for a while. Staff pleasant and organised.

Sarah Rayner from London, England

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Totally absorbed from start to finish. Superb storytelling and special effects. The most fluid scene changes and faultless performances. The best thing l have seen on stage. We were blown away by this and loved every minute.

Carol McShane from Glasgow, Scotland

BEST PRODUCTION EVER SEEN ON STAGE!

This is when film meets theatre and explodes into the most incredible piece of theatre you have ever seen. Everything about it is phenomenal, acting is first class and you're transfixed from the moment the curtain is raised. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to see this.

Leah jade from London, England

STRANGER THINGS - THE FIRST SHADOW

An incredible show with thought out set design and special effects. Actors came in and around the audience during the first act creating an extremely pleasant immersive experience, would definitely recommend. Actors really played their roles very well and helped to further bring the story to life. Definitely recommend to watch a bit of the show before to understand the show, but otherwise it eas incredible. Duration: First act was about 90 minutes, with a 20-25 minute interval, followed by the second act that was about an hour long. Disclaimer: Wouldn’t recommend for people who struggle with loud noises, or jumpscares.

Steve from London, England

AMAZING EVERYTHING

More than theatre, it's like you're watching a movie happen in real life. It is absolutely amazing. It's a must see. The acting is phenomenal. The set, the lighting, and the sound is better than I have ever seen. They spared no expense and it shows. Absolutely incredible.

Mark Hurry from Carmarthenshire, Wales

THAT WAS AMAZING

Honestly words can’t explain how much me and my family loved this show. Seriously a masterpiece in theatre. It was incredible and I want to go again ❤️

Tom from London, England

STUNNING. MUST SEE EVEN IF YOU DON'T CARE FOR STRANGER THINGS

The theatrical creation is stunning. A new benchmark for what can be done. The team behind this production have created something so extraordinary in technical achievement that it is hard to believe we are sitting in a theatre before players on a stage. The play itself is a fantastic, fantastical story. It's not a genre that I go for, but my children do. It didn't stop me really enjoying it. Fabulous performances. One review in a paper said something like it doesn't really gve us much by way of reward in examination of the human condition, which I think I'd right and the best description of it's weakness, but I think it's also not the point here. Go to see The Motive and the Cue for brilliant chin stroking. Musee too! In this there is supernatural story that many love. That kinda thing leaves me a bit meh, but I don't mind. It was absolutely brilliant. It's 3 hours. I was worried it would be too long. It isn't, even squirming 6 foot 3 in Victorian theatre seat space. You won't believe your eyes. You really won't! Go.

Roo from London, England

SERIOUSLY INCREDIBLE

Watched this last night with my wife and daughter. I’m not sure how I can articulate the right words here. The first scene left us completely gob smacked, how on earth did they do this?! The cast were and are absolutely brilliant, but Louis McCartney who plays Henry was just too good, I’m 45 I love film I love several actors, but this guy was a new level I mean really he is brilliant and whilst Patricia, Joyce, Bob and Munson were all so perfectly cast - Loius/Henry brought something quite special to this - well done don mate! So if you’re in any doubt as to whether you should go…..just do it as I can assure if you don’t you’ll regret it - absolutely smashed it, everyone involved deserves so much credit what a show!

Tab from London, England

OUTSTANDING!

Apart from the fact that it was Stranger Things, and how this show, and anything linked to it, can do no wrong, this theatre production was like nothing else I’ve ever experienced before. I’m not an avid theatre go’er but so many aspects of this production felt quite revolutionary. My mind was, quite literally, blown away. It was such a coming together of ideas and fantastic script but it was the amazing talent of all the actors and actresses that made it seamless. I was mesmerised and involved from the very start! For those few hours I completely believed and that is a gift! I urge anyone and everyone to go. It’s a creative mix on so many levels. It’s energetic, serious, funny, heartbreaking, stunning, immersive, uplifting, dark, and reflective. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did because it was an experience I don’t think I’ll ever forget. A very worthy and vital addition to the Stranger Things concept.

Charlotte Poole from Manchester, England

JAW DROPPING

Going into this performance, I was ready to be critical. And of course, due to being a contribution of an existing franchise, the play contained a few instances of shortcomings and retcons. But as an avid Stranger Things fan, my thirst has still been quenched. TFS still has undeniable value. It adds to the story we already knew in such a creative and fun way, with an entertainment value and strong immersion that are on the next level. I think it truly captures what made the original TV show so special. However, having zero context on Stranger Things will not take away from the experience. The play stands just as well on its own. From the very first set to the closing scene, there was not a single boring moment. All in all, The First Shadow is an experience worth having. It is a must-see if you like Stranger Things, if you like theatre, and especially if you like both.

Andrew from London, England

INCREDIBLE EVERYTHING

I feel bad for the people that won't see this just because they don't have any sort of affinity with the tv show. They will miss out on a theatre masterclass. The production is like nothing I've seen before, it's like watching a film play out in front of you. Throughout the show, and from the very start, the special effects will leave you asking 'how did they do THAT?'. Along with the effects they have the slickest set changes. The Upside Down transition is genius and I got totally absorbed. Then there's the acting. As I said it's like you're watching a film, you forget it's people up there right now doing their thing in front of you. The guy that plays Henry is amazing. It feels like you're getting a play within a play when he's on stage. While I still don't fully understand the premise (I had to watch The Matrix three times to 'get it'), this really showed the possibilities of bringing theatre to life. The entire production team have achieved something wonderful here. Well done!

Ellen Blaney from Moira Northern Ireland

THE SHOW WAS INCREDIBLE

I have never seen a show more incredible in all my life, it captured the tv show perfectly and really followed the story like of the tv show I have never been more focused in a show like this one. I would watch it over and over and not get bored. The effects were amazing and never like I’ve seen before. I really want to be in the show to see how they are done. Im very happy I got to see it when I did Any strange things fans out there go watch the show before u miss your chance

David Wood from London, England

IF YOU ARE A FAN, YOU WILL LOVE IT

Ambitious, certainly; inventive, undeniably; polished, naturally; interesting - I am not so sure. If you are totally impartial and unbiased, you would have to say Ocean At The End of the Lane (National Theatre) was more creative and galloped along compared to this production. Would I see ST again, no, but I would buy a ticket now if I hadn't, yes (if only to enjoy the producers' and directors stab at trying to do something massive and different). Overall its only just a miss (fans will keep it open for a while). That said, if you are a fan of the TV series, you will love it and I certainly wouldn't recommend you do not see it.

David Clark from London, England

WORTH IT BUT ONLY FOR THE EFFECTS

Starts in the most amazing way but then drops into tedious character introduction with far too much high school musical for no really good reason. And that musical keeps coming back like its an audition for multi-skilled performers. Second half gets better but I still couldn't have cared less about what happens. Far too much fluff.

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