Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp to make his stage debut in Affluenza at Riverside Studios
by Best of Theatre Staff on Thursday 13 August 2026, 10:59 am in Cast Changes and Announcements
Noah Schnapp, known to millions as Will Byers in Stranger Things, will make his stage debut in the world premiere of Affluenza at Riverside Studios from 26 September 2026.
Noah Schnapp, the American actor known to millions as Will Byers in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, will make his world stage debut in Affluenza, a new play written and directed by Andy Sandberg, at Riverside Studios in London from 26 September to 21 November 2026, with press night on 5 October.
The production opens the Mainstage Season 26/27 at Riverside Studios, a season of five new plays largely set in contemporary America and exploring globally relevant themes. Tickets are on sale now.
Set against the ultra-wealthy social haven of the Hamptons, Affluenza raises thought-provoking questions about moral accountability, family legacy and the American justice system. When a teenager's drunken car ride ends in devastation, the verdict comes down to one question: is it possible to be too affluent to know the difference between right and wrong? Inspired by true events surrounding a shocking legal defence, the play explores the ripple effects of power and privilege.
Noah Schnapp said: “I am so excited to make my stage debut in London with Affluenza. I started talking with Andy Sandberg a few months ago about finding the right opportunity to work together, and it's thrilling to now be bringing this play to life in London. I wanted to be very intentional about what I took on next, and as I spend more time with this excellent script, I feel so connected to the characters. Without giving away too much, I get to play two very different roles, and it's a story that's really going to leave audiences talking and thinking.”
Mainstage Season Artistic Director Andy Sandberg said: “I am incredibly excited to be launching this play and this season in just a few weeks — and now with Noah Schnapp at the helm. Noah is a brilliant young actor who has captivated audiences on screen, and now London audiences will have the opportunity to see him in his stage debut. I'm honoured that Noah has connected with the script, and I think it speaks volumes that he has chosen an original play for his stage debut.”
Additional casting and the creative team for Affluenza will be announced soon. The Mainstage Season 26/27 launches with three world premieres: following Affluenza, Sacrilegious by Tom Schulman, the Oscar-winning writer of Dead Poets Society and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, runs from 5 December 2026 to 23 January 2027, and Expecting by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola runs from 30 January to 27 March 2027. Both are also directed by Andy Sandberg.
The Mainstage at Riverside Studios is a 400-seat theatre in West London which has recently been home to Ulster American starring Woody Harrelson and Andy Serkis, Second Best starring Asa Butterfield, and Operation Mincemeat. The Mainstage Season is presented by ABS Productions, Whitney Edwards, Flora Major, Judith Manocherian, Sondra Biller, Drew & Dane & Whitney, and Berman-Cohen Productions, with DEM Productions as general manager.
Affluenza runs Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, and a captioned performance on 14 November at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced from £25.