Stranger Things actor Noah Schnapp will make his professional stage debut in the world premiere of Affluenza, a new play written and directed by Tony Award winner Andy Sandberg.
Opening the 2026/27 Mainstage Season at London’s Riverside Studios, the production will run from 26 September to 21 November 2026, with an official press night scheduled for 5 October 2026.
Schnapp, best known for his portrayal of Will Byers across five seasons of Netflix's global hit series, steps into the live theatre realm to play dual roles in the story. Set against the affluent backdrop of the Hamptons, Affluenza explores themes of moral accountability, generational wealth, and legal privilege. Inspired by true events, the narrative centers on a teenager involved in a fatal drunk-driving incident and the controversial legal defense claiming he was too wealthy to comprehend the difference between right and wrong.
Speaking about his stage debut, Schnapp expressed his enthusiasm for taking on an original theatrical work in London, noting that the script resonated deeply with him and offered a unique challenge through its dual character roles. Playwright and director Andy Sandberg, who also serves as Artistic Director for the Mainstage Season, praised Schnapp's screen achievements and expressed pride in launching the new season with the actor leading the production.
The 400-seat West London venue will host Affluenza as the first of five contemporary plays scheduled for its upcoming season, focusing largely on modern American themes. The season will also feature world premieres from Oscar-winning writer Tom Schulman and creative duo Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola.
Tickets for the eight-week limited run are currently on sale via the official venue website, with additional casting and creative team members set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Photo credit: Evelyn Freja
