‘Stranger Things’ star Noah Schnapp lands major London stage debut with ‘Affluenza’

Noah Schnapp is stepping away from Hawkins and into a very different kind of drama as the Stranger Things star prepares to make his world stage debut in London.

Schnapp, best known for playing Will Byers in the Netflix series, will lead the cast of Affluenza, a new play scheduled to run at Riverside Studios as part of its Mainstage Season 26/27. The production is written and directed by Andy Sandberg, the venue's artistic director for the season, and is scheduled to run from September 26 to November 21.

The play is set among the ultra wealthy of the Hamptons and centres on the consequences of a devastating incident involving a teenager and a drunken car ride. Its story examines questions surrounding wealth, privilege, family legacy, moral responsibility and the American justice system.

According to the production description, Affluenza draws inspiration from true events surrounding a controversial legal defence. The play uses that premise to examine how privilege can affect perceptions of accountability and the consequences faced by people from powerful families.

For Schnapp, the production represents a significant career move after becoming internationally recognised through Stranger Things. His portrayal of Will Byers has made him one of the show's most recognisable young stars, with the character becoming increasingly important to the Netflix series as its story progressed.

Schnapp said he wanted to be deliberate about choosing his next project and felt strongly connected to the script after discussing the opportunity with Sandberg. The actor also revealed that he will play two different roles in the production, giving him an opportunity to explore characters unlike his long running television role.

The actor's move into theatre comes as his Stranger Things career reaches a major chapter. The Netflix series has become one of the defining television phenomena of the streaming era, while its final season has kept its original cast in the spotlight.

Sandberg praised Schnapp's decision to make his stage debut with an original play, describing him as a talented young actor whose screen work has already captivated audiences. He said London audiences would now have the opportunity to see Schnapp perform live.

Affluenza will open Riverside Studios' Mainstage Season 26/27, which features five new plays largely set in contemporary America. The season is designed around stories exploring themes with relevance beyond the United States.

For Schnapp, the London production offers a chance to establish another side of his acting career at a pivotal point. After years of being identified worldwide with Will Byers, his first major stage role puts him in a new setting and gives audiences an opportunity to see him outside the Netflix phenomenon that made him famous.

The production also marks a notable step for Riverside Studios as it launches a season focused on new theatrical work, with additional productions and casting announcements expected as the programme develops. Tickets for Affluenza are on sale.