Big-budget West End blockbuster Stranger Things: The First Shadow is looking for a new lead actor for the show.
Producers Sonia Friedman and Netflix have launched a casting call looking for a new actor to play the pivotal role of Henry Creel in the show, which is currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre in London.
The part of Henry Creel is currently played by up-and-coming actor Louis McCartney. It is not clear how long McCartney will continue to star in the show.
Director Stephen Daldry told Deadline last year that he considers McCartney “a proper theatre animal”, and that he has a performative ability of ”knowing how to respond and excite an audience”. Daldry went on to say, “he’s a proper star with proper star power.”
Until Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Louis McCartney had never even set foot in a theatre before.
The production is looking for actors aged between 18 and 23 for the Henry Creel role. The casting is being led by Jessica Ronane, and to audition you need to contact [email protected].
Stranger Things: The First Shadow recently extended its run at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End, and is now booking to 15 December 2024.
Last month, the production was nominated for five Olivier Awards 2024, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and Best Director for Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin; and earlier this year, the show also won Best New Play at the Whatsonstage Awards 2024.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow opened in December 2023 to incredible reviews from the London theatre critics, with four and five stars across the board from all the major critics.
Alongside Louis McCartney (Game of Thrones) as Henry Creel, the Stranger Things: The First Shadow principle cast also includes Isabella Pappas (Finding Alice) as Joyce Maldonaldo; Oscar Lloyd (The 47th) as James Hopper Jnr; Christopher Buckley (David Copperfield) as Bob Newby; Ella Karuna Williams (The Equalizer) as Patty Newby; Shane Attwooll (Wonder Woman 1984) as Chief Hopper; Christopher Buckley (David Copperfield) as Bob Newby; Michael Jibson (The Essex Serpent; Hamilton) as Victor Creel; Patrick Vaill (Oklahoma!) as Dr Brenner; Alex Young (Follies) as Virginia Creel; and Max Harwood (Allen Munson).
Based on the Netflix series Stranger Things created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is written by Kate Trefry (Netflix’s Stranger Things), and has an original story by the Duffer Brothers, award-winning writer Jack Thorne (The Motive and the Cue), and Kate Trefry.
The show is co-directed by Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin with set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Arditti, illusions design by Jamie Harrison & Chris Fisher, video design by 59 Productions, movement direction by Coral Messam, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG, international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan, and Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates is Technical Director.
Book tickets to Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre London
Phoenix Theatre, London
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