THE RENDITION MEETS MIRANDA MUFEMA
Image Credit - Manuel Harlan
Having captivated West End audiences for nearly two years, Stranger Things: The First Shadow has earned critical acclaim, including Olivier Awards for Best Set Design and Best Entertainment. At the heart of this extraordinary production is Mirinda Mufema, making her West End debut as Patty Newby—a role she embodies with depth, warmth, and authenticity.
With the play’s bold storytelling and breathtaking stagecraft, Mirinda has stepped into a world that redefines what theater can be.
We sat down with her to discuss the journey of bringing Patty to life, the importance of representation, and what it means to be part of a production that continues to push creative boundaries.
“Every show feels like stepping into a living, breathing storybook. The technical effects, the energy of the audience, the sheer spectacle—it’s electric, and I feel so lucky to be part of it.”
QUESTION: If you had to sum up Patty Newby in just three words, what would they be, and why?
Miranda: I’d say authentic, curious, and determined. From the very start of the play, Patty is completely true to herself. She’s full of wit and heart, and she never lets her circumstances hold her back from going after what she wants or standing up for what she believes in.
That’s something I love about her—you can’t help but fall for her instantly. She’s such a unique presence on stage, and all these qualities make her incredibly lovable. In many ways, she’s the heart of the story.
QUESTION: If you could play any character from the original series (besides Patty), who would it be and why?
Miranda: I’m going to be cheeky and pick two—Max and Vecna. Their dynamic is fascinating, and without spoiling anything, there’s something so symbiotic about their relationship. Max reminds me a lot of Patty—she’s genuine but has a tougher exterior. Like Patty, she really comes to life when she finds her people. Sadie Sink plays her beautifully.
But then there’s Vecna. Who wouldn’t want to play a multi-dimensional supervillain who literally transcends space and time? That’s an actor’s dream.
He’s like the Thanos of the Stranger Things universe—so haunting and intense. Playing a character like that would be an incredible challenge and so much fun.
QUESTION: As this is your West End debut, I wanted to know what’s been the most exciting part, and what have you learned about yourself as a performer?
Miranda: One of the most exciting things about this show is that it’s part of a massive franchise, and it’s been brought to the stage in such a mind-blowing way. The scale of it all is incredible. On top of that, it’s been created by some of the most influential people in theater right now—Sonia Friedman, Stephen Daldry, and Justin Martin. Working with them has been a masterclass, and I’ve grown so much, not just as an actor but as a person.
On a personal note, I was a huge Stranger Things fan growing up. I was the same age as the kids when the show first came out in 2016, and I remember watching it thinking, Please, let me be part of this world one day. Now, here I am. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that my dreams can come true—and that I absolutely belong in these incredible spaces.
QUESTION: Representation on stage is more important than ever. How do you approach the responsibility of being part of that change, and what do you hope audiences take away from seeing you in this role?
Miranda: Patty is such a special character to me. I’ve done over 100 shows now, but every time I step on stage, I remind myself that there might be someone in the audience who has never seen themselves represented this way before. That’s a huge responsibility, but also a privilege, of course, it's part of the job, part of the joy of it all. But it's also, let's play this character as authentically and earnestly.
What I love about Patty is that she doesn’t try to fit in—she’s unapologetically herself. She’s even bullied and questioned for it, but instead of letting that break her, she turns her weirdness into her strength. That’s something I hope resonates with audiences, especially young people who feel out of place or like they don’t belong.
I wish I had a character like Patty to look up to when I was younger. Seeing someone on stage who looks like you, thinks like you, and just is—it’s powerful. If even one person in the audience leaves feeling seen, then I’ve done my job.
Louis Healy (Henry Creel), Miranda Mufema (Patty Newby), Image Credit - Manuel Harlan
“Patty doesn’t just exist in her world—she challenges it. She refuses to let circumstances define her, and her weirdness becomes her strength, her superpower.”
The play transports us back to 1959 Hawkins—a world with its own social dynamics and unspoken rules.
QUESTION: How does Patty navigate that era, and how did you prepare to bring authenticity to both the time period and the character’s personal story?
Miranda: It is indeed that things were quite different back then. 1959 was a very different time, and Patty is a young girl growing up in a world that wasn’t built for her. But what I love about her is that she doesn’t let that stop her—she still fights for what she wants.
Hawkins may be fictional, but the story draws from real historical influences. Patty is adopted into an unconventional single-father household, which was almost unheard of at the time. Adoption, especially in cases like hers, was incredibly taboo.
During rehearsals, I did a lot of research into adoption in the 1950s, and I found out that many young women had their babies taken away from them if society deemed them unfit to be mothers. That history adds so much depth to Patty’s experience.
She also struggles with feeling like she doesn’t belong. Her father doesn’t really show her love, she faces pushback from her community, and at school, she’s expected to be grateful for being adopted. But instead of shrinking under that pressure, she pushes back. What makes her different is what makes her strong. And that’s what makes her such a pivotal part of this story—her resilience shapes the entire narrative.
QUESTION: The First Shadow has been praised for its groundbreaking stagecraft, with illusions and effects that push the boundaries of live theater. Can you give us a glimpse into what it’s like performing in such a technically ambitious production?
Miranda: Every single day feels like stepping into something magical. Even though I’ve done over 100 shows now, I still find myself in awe of the stagecraft.
One of my favorite things to do is watch the play from the wings or on the live monitors whenever I get the chance. The opening sequence—no spoilers!—is just breathtaking. Even though I know exactly how the special effects work, I still catch myself thinking, Wait… how did they do that?
What’s really exciting is how all the elements—lighting, sound, special effects—aren’t just there for spectacle. They enhance the emotional beats of the story. As an actor, it’s like performing inside this beautifully choreographed machine and that has pushed me as an actor.
Every audience reacts differently, too—some nights they’re loud, some nights they’re completely silent. That energy shift makes every performance feel fresh and alive.
QUESTION: Without giving too much away, how do you think this play will change how fans see the Stranger Things universe?
Miranda: As a Stranger Things fan myself, my mind was absolutely blown the first time I saw the play. It’s got all the twists, surprises, and emotional depth of the TV show, but experiencing it live makes it even more powerful.
When my family came to watch, my little brother—who hates theater—actually stayed awake and enjoyed it. That’s when I knew this show was something special.
What makes it unique is the way it deepens the Stranger Things mythology. It’s not just a prequel—it adds layers to what we already know. I truly believe this play is one of the most exciting theater experiences on the West End (right now).
QUESTION: Just before we close off, is there anything else you'd like to say about the play for audiences who haven't seen it, to come and watch it?
Miranda: Honestly? Just watch it. I wish I could experience it again for the first time.
It’s exciting and I think everyone should watch it - it’s really full of heart too, so you’ll never be bored.
With Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Miranda Mufema is not just making her West End debut—she’s helping to redefine what theater can be. Whether it's the jaw-dropping stagecraft, the deeply human performances, or the powerful storytelling, this play offers something truly special for fans and newcomers alike.
As Mirinda passionately puts it, “I wish I could watch it again for the first time”, and if that isn’t a reason to grab a ticket, we don’t know what is.
