From Stranger Things’ ambitious stage adaptation and Netflix’s backstage documentary to the return of Susannah Fielding in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this roundup offers insights into recent theatrical innovations, productions, and digital premieres across London and beyond.
Nearly 18 months after a neon Hawkins sign was installed on Charing Cross Road, the long-anticipated theatrical adaptation of the television phenomenon Stranger Things has attracted attention for its ambitious transformation from screen to stage. Netflix’s backstage documentary, which delves into the production process, highlights the intense challenges faced by the creative team as they worked from initial workshops through to opening night. Writer Kate Trefry and producer Sonia Friedman spoke candidly about the mental demands involved in adapting the popular TV series into a theatrical spectacle.
In other theatre news, Susannah Fielding returns to the stage this month in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre. She is well known for her comedic flair, as demonstrated in George Farquhar’s restoration comedy The Beaux’ Stratagem, which was performed on the National Theatre’s Olivier stage in 2015 and remains available through National Theatre at Home.
Mark Ravenhill’s play Ben and Imo, originally created for the centenary of Benjamin Britten’s birth and first aired on BBC Radio 3, explores the collaboration between Britten and musician Imogen Holst in creating an opera for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation. The production, directed by Erica Whyman for the Royal Shakespeare Company, had its run at the Orange Tree Theatre in London and was available online from 20 to 23 May.
The Canadian circus company Cirque du Soleil has made its 2014 show Kurios, centred on a cabinet of curiosities, accessible in an deluxe interactive package. This offering provides viewers with closely detailed views of the acrobatics and extensive behind-the-scenes content, including the option to follow specific performers. The show was notably performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2023.
A new film tribute to the influential theatre company Kneehigh, titled The Church of the Lost Cause, has been released online by filmmaker Brett Harvey. This evocative patchwork collage of the company’s productions captures the distinctive playfulness, spirited energy, and familial connections that characterised Kneehigh’s performances.
Additionally, Chinese choreographer Disha Zhang’s ballet Elapse, inspired by her poem about ageing, time, and loss, has been performed by an ensemble from Houston Ballet featuring antler headpieces and accompanied on the traditional seven-stringed guqin by composer Zeng Xiaogang. This production is available on Marquee TV.
A notable addition to National Theatre at Home from 8 May is the 2017 family musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic 1908 tale The Wind in the Willows. Filmed at the London Palladium, this production features a book by Julian Fellowes, music by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and includes Rufus Hound in the role of Mr Toad.
In a 2022 London debut, the Japanese theatre company Noda Map presented a kabuki interpretation of Romeo and Juliet set to a soundtrack by Queen. Following this, their recent adaptation of Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, repositioned in 1940s Nagasaki during World War II, was filmed at Sadler’s Wells in 2024 and is available online until 12 May.
Meanwhile, Sutton Foster starred in the 2024 production of Once Upon a Mattress at New York’s Hudson Theatre, playing an “unhinged version” of herself in this 1950s musical based on The Princess and the Pea. The show originally brought fame to Carol Burnett and has now released a Broadway cast recording.
Lastly, Nottingham-based theatre company Chronic Insanity has launched FableMosh, a digital theatre project reminiscent of the experimental spirit during the Covid lockdown. Each month, a new play is released in multiple versions, allowing audiences to select which actors portray particular characters and even submit their own performances, offering an interactive theatrical experience.
The Guardian is reporting.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.netflix.com/title/81768470 – This Netflix page provides access to ‘Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow,’ a documentary offering an electrifying backstage look at the making of the stage adaptation of ‘Stranger Things.’
- https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/stranger-things-netflix-west-end-booking-b1063938.html – An article from the Evening Standard detailing the release of a preview featurette for the ‘Stranger Things’ stage adaptation, highlighting the innovative approach to bringing the series to the West End stage.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/stranger-things-netflix-west-end-booking-b1063938.html – This article from the Evening Standard discusses the release of a preview featurette for the ‘Stranger Things’ stage adaptation, emphasizing the unique theatrical experience being developed for London’s West End.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/stranger-things-netflix-west-end-booking-b1063938.html – An article from the Evening Standard discussing the release of a preview featurette for the ‘Stranger Things’ stage adaptation, highlighting the innovative approach to bringing the series to the West End stage.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/stranger-things-netflix-west-end-booking-b1063938.html – An article from the Evening Standard detailing the release of a preview featurette for the ‘Stranger Things’ stage adaptation, highlighting the innovative approach to bringing the series to the West End stage.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/stranger-things-netflix-west-end-booking-b1063938.html – An article from the Evening Standard discussing the release of a preview featurette for the ‘Stranger Things’ stage adaptation, highlighting the innovative approach to bringing the series to the West End stage.
- https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/may/01/the-best-theatre-to-stream-this-month-stranger-things-cirque-du-soleil – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative includes recent events and current developments in the theatre industry, such as ongoing productions and new releases, indicating it is up-to-date.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
No direct quotes were found to verify. Given the lack of quotes, it’s difficult to assess originality, but the narrative appears to be original in its compilation.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The information originates from The Guardian, a well-known and reputable publication, which generally supports the reliability of the content.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims regarding theatre productions and adaptations are plausible and consistent with the current landscape of theatrical performances and adaptations.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is likely accurate, given its recent context, reliable source, and plausible claims. There are no direct quotes to verify, but the compilation of information appears original and is well-supported by The Guardian’s reputation.
