★ ★ ★ ★ .5
Written by Charlene Wedgner
This was my first opportunity to review a show and wow what a great one to start with. What made it more fitting was attending to The Vaults on Stranger Things Day to see this production. Fans of the hit Netflix series will enjoy immersing themselves in the extension of this cult. We are reintroduced to the weird happenings in Hawkins via the new production, Stranger Sings.
Stranger Sings is a parody musical that has come straight from off Broadway and already has several awards under its belt. It is currently playing its UK premiere at The Vaults in London, a fantastic location for this show. Home for immersive theatre and alternative arts, the set design captured the tone and ambience of the 80s and threw us straight into the atmosphere of a Stranger Things episode. The details were in the retro VHS tapes and boardgames to the twinkly Christmas lights that are so noticeable from the first series of this show.
Stranger Sings is a parody musical that has come straight from off Broadway and already has several awards under its belt. It is currently playing its UK premiere at The Vaults in London, a fantastic location for this show. Home for immersive theatre and alternative arts, the set design captured the tone and ambience of the 80s and threw us straight into the atmosphere of a Stranger Things episode. The details were in the retro VHS tapes and boardgames to the twinkly Christmas lights that are so noticeable from the first series of this show.
The whole cast in this smaller-scale production was incredible, with some even taking on the challenge of playing multiple roles. The standout for me was Babs played by Georgia McElwee who had me and my daughter in stitches. From her friendship with Nancy to her dancing with a Demogorgon, she executed every scene. She was funny, charismatic and captivating.
Hopper was performed by Howard Jenkins. His likeness to Hopper from the series was uncanny and his performance was a joy to watch. Anna Amelia shifted between playing Eleven, Nancy and Robyn, taking on each of their different characteristics naturally. Her facial expressions and movements for Eleven were particularly engaging to watch.
The production has been written with many references to the Netflix smash-hit series. The integration of tongue-in-cheek humour throughout came off as genius. There is some clever use of pop culture and any Winona Ryder fans too will love the emphasis on this era. This acts as a thread for the impressive soundtrack which plays a nod to the era in style.
One of the highlights was a dance off like no other and the introduction of some magnificent wigs that really bring the popular characters to life.
Stranger Sings is hilarious, energetic and packed with nostalgia. I'd highly recommend and it certainly made me want to begin watching the series all over again!
Stranger Sings is performing at the Vaults London until January 2023. Book your tickets here.
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