Interview with Stewart Clarke, Stranger Things: The First Shadow

In 2016, audiences were pulled headfirst into the eerie mysteries of Hawkins, Indiana, when Stranger Things made its debut on Netflix and instantly became a global phenomenon. The programme, which has had four seasons up to this point, provided a gorgeous blend of supernatural suspense, some ‘80s nostalgia, and some bold storytelling. Now, nearly a decade later, fans brace themselves for the long-awaited final chapter arriving this November, a conclusion that promises to tie together the threads of the Upside Down once and for all.

However, maybe you are curious about where the story actually began? The ambitious stage production, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, turns back the hands of time and allows audiences to answer those questions! With the world being thrown into the excitement of Stranger Things, we chat with Stewart Clarke who plays the role of Dr Brenner in the West End production, to find out more. 

To start with - I’d love to know what is your first and most memorable trip to the theatre?

My most memorable early trip to the theatre would’ve been seeing my Dad as the original Harry in Mamma Mia in 1999. I was 9 at the time and couldn’t get over the scuba gear dream sequences. My sister also heckled the stage whenever someone called dad “Harry”, telling the actors emphatically from the Dress Circle; “HE NOT HARRY, HE PAUL!”

You play the role of Dr. Brenner in the West End production of Stranger Things: The Shadow. How did you begin the process of developing a younger version of such an iconic character?

I remember preparing for the auditions by rewatching Matthew Modine in the Stranger Things TV show. I didn’t want to go for an impression, but there was plenty about his wonderful performance that informed some of the choices I made. There’s a softness to his vocal quality, which is at odds with the passion and terrifying intensity with which he pursues his goals, which I thought was fascinating. He can be both a mad scientist but also a reassuring father in the same scene. 

Whilst working on this role in the rehearsal room, was there anything which surprised you about Dr. Brenner? 

Definitely! It became clear in the room that the Brenner in The First Shadow, whilst the same as the Brenner from the show, is a younger and more energetic version. His one-on-one scenes with Henry Creel have this energy to them, like two Tigers eyeing each other up. There’s a power and muscularity to some of the scenes which belies a Brenner earlier on his journey - more to prove, more to lose. He’s not yet in the position of absolute power we see him occupy during the early parts of the Stranger Things series…

Dr. Brenner is often portrayed as cold and clinical in the series— does the stage production explore a different side of him?

Absolutely. We get more backstory for Brenner in the stage show and learn about what motivated him to pursue Project Rainbow with such tenacity. One of the fascinating challenges that comes with playing Brenner is balancing the clinical side he likes to present, with the bubbling emotions he’s clearly trying to conceal.

Of course - Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a prequel to the Netflix series. What is it like to be part of it with the last season coming out very soon?

Tremendously exciting. We’re joining the show literally as Season 5 begins airing, so there’s going to be an undeniable buzz about the theatre. Everyone in rehearsals is excitedly discussing which characters we think will appear in the season, and trying to guess some of the twists and turns. Who knows, maybe our performances will change during the run as we learn more about the world and the characters!

If people want to come and see the show but haven’t experienced the Netflix series, can you tell us a little bit about what it is about?

Absolutely. Even without the context of the show, The First Shadow is the story of a young boy gifted/cursed with extraordinary abilities, trying to manoeuvre a family who are terrified of him, and a sinister government agency looking to exploit him. All whilst trying to survive High School in the 50s and even…young love?! 

This production is known for its innovative staging and cinematic feel - what is it like performing in such a technically ambitious show every night and does it present a lot of challenges? 

We’re still very much learning the ins and outs of how this show runs. Let me tell you, it is a BEHEMOTH. It feels like every single scene has some incredible trick or piece of impossible staging. We’re literally about to go into tech; I can’t wait to actually see some of these breathtaking moments play out around me. This is the first show I know of that has applause breaks for visual effects!

If you could explore more of Dr. Brenner’s journey beyond The First Shadow, what direction would you love to see his character go in?

We never get to see Brenner get some downtime. Perhaps he could give himself a holiday…to the Bermuda Triangle. Who knows he might learn more about the ‘Upside Down’!!

Do you have a particularly favourite part in the show?

I love the ‘Lab Breakup’ scene. Let’s just say more things than a relationship are getting broken in that scene…

How would you sum up Stranger Things: The First Shadow in three words.

Astonishing. Shocking. Pulsing.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is currently booking performances at the Phoenix Theatre until 5 April 2026.