Review: Thrilling play with a twist on what makes a villain

They serve the purpose of getting the whole audience against them - and therefore behind the hero.

It is tried-and-tested theatre, from panto to Shakespeare.

But every so often, a storyline comes along that offers a different perspective, an understanding to what elicits the heinousness within them - and questions whether they were destined for evil or if in fact they chose it.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow does exactly that - spectacularly. 

Maisie Norma Seaton (Claudia Yount), Kemi Awoderu (Sue Anderson), Isabella Pappas (Joyce Maldonado) (Image: Manuel Harlan)
Set in 1959, Henry Creel and his family - a traumatised father who survived the war, an overbearing mother and younger sister - move to Hawkins with hopes of a fresh start.

However, while Henry grapples with teenage awkwardness and desperate attempts to be normal, the family soon realise that shadows of the past can never be outrun.

This captivating original story breathes new life into an enigma that, for four seasons, has haunted Hawkins, although you don't have to be a fan of the Netflix series to keep up with the pace of this prequel.

Kate Trefry, who wrote the original show, weaves wit and humour into a storyline that would otherwise be disturbingly tragic.

With her script, Jack Thorne's keen theatrical eye, and the Duffer Brothers' creative guidance, each act is dynamic, full of tricks and lots of loud noises creating an extraordinary and other-worldly play.

In addition to the production's brilliance, Louis McCartney, whose West End debut as Henry Creel takes centre stage, dazzles as a villain in the making.

Louis McCartney (Henry Creel), Calum Ross (Walter Henderson), Maisie Norma Seaton (Claudia Yount) (Image: Manuel Harlan)
Not only is the 21-year-old's performance riveting but in scenes when his character wants nothing more than to be loved by Patty Newby (played by Ella Karuna Williams), his vulnerability is so compelling that empathising with him is irresistible.

Overall, director Stephen Daldry engulfs the audience in a theatrical experience that cannot be missed and brings new possibilities to modern theatre production.

This play is mesmeric and inescapable and it will cling to you long after the curtains close.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is playing at the Phoenix Theatre, in Soho, with tickets available now.