Matthew Pidgeon plays Father Newby in the world premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow by Kate Trefry, that brings the world of Stranger Things to life in a completely new way – live on stage.
Directed by Stephen Daldry, with co-direction by Justin Martin, leading the world class award-winning creative team, the cast is Shane Attwooll (Chief Hopper), Kemi Awoderu (Sue Anderson), Chase Brown (Lonnie Byers), Christopher Buckley (Bob Newby), Ammar Duffus (Charles Sinclair), Gilles Geary (Ted Wheeler), Florence Guy (Karen Childress), Max Harwood (Allen Munson), Michael Jibson (Victor Creel), Oscar Lloyd (James Hopper Jr.), Louis McCartney (Henry Creel), Isabella Pappas (Joyce Maldonado), Matthew Pidgeon (Father Newby), Calum Ross (Walter Henderson), Maisie Norma Seaton (Claudia Henderson), Patrick Vaill (Dr Brenner), Lauren Ward (Virginia Creel), Ella Karuna Williams (Patty Newby); with Tricia Adele-Turner, Lauren Arney, Reya-Nyomi Brown, Patricia Castro, Lydia Fraser, Isaac Gryn, Mark Hammersley, Tom Peters, Kingdom Sibanda, Tiana Simone, Danny Sykes and Meesha Turner.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre and has recently extended its run in to 2025.
You’re appearing in the brand new stage version of Stranger Things, what can you tell us about the show?
The show precedes the events of the TV series. We go deeper into things that are referred to briefly in the TV show but will eventually form the characters and world of the show. It also stands alone as an exciting, funny, moving and really scary story.
Were you already a fan of the series, and what made you want to be part of this production?
I’d seen the first series and really loved it. I’ve subsequently watched the rest. Series 4 particularly is pretty mind blowing. It’s my era, growing up in the 1980s.I’d heard about the stage production and was really excited at the prospect of working with the incredible creative team. And it’s Stranger Things, I mean, come on!!
Without giving away any spoilers, how have writer Kate Trefry and director Stephen Daldry reimagined things for the stage?
Kate and Stephen have honoured the spirit of the TV show I think, but also given us something theatrical and live that you just couldn’t do on TV. No spoilers but I think it enhances our understanding of the Stranger Things world but also gives us a standalone chapter. Lots of thrills too (that I can’t tell you about)
You’re playing Principal Newby, tell us a little about the character and what you’re loving about the role?
Principal Newby is a pillar of the community. He’s a respected town elder, I guess. But this town is troubled and has secrets. He’s the father of Bob (who we know from the TV show) but also Patty, who is one of our central characters. They have a difficult relationship. That sort of dynamic is always fun to explore and play. It’s a theme that runs through Stranger Things-parents and kids, adults and children.
Has there been any big challenges bringing this much-loved TV Series to the stage?
I suppose in the beginning there was always a level expectation that felt daunting at times. But that’s a good thing too. We are telling a story that excites and brings a new dimension to fans of the TV show, and is also thrilling and accessible for those who have never seen it before.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Stranger Things: First Shadow?
Come and see us. It will be unlike any show you’ve seen before
Stranger Things: The First Shadow Tickets at Phoenix Theatre
