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Let me guess: you've already binged your way through all four episodes of Stranger Things season 5 volume 1? And let me guess again: you're now getting sucked deep into the wormhole (pun intended) of fan theories on social media? If you're anything like me, your algorithm is absolutely swarming with videos about who will die, how Will got his powers, why Vecna is scared of the cave and why Eight and Eleven have to team up.
One of the most common fan theories centres around a character you may have never even heard of: Patty Newby. Lost? So was I, at first. Here's a breakdown of the theory and why it matters.
Where to begin with Patty Newby? If your algorithm is anything like mine, one of the most common theories you've seen revolves around the flashback to Vecna/One/Henry's time in high school in Hawkins. Max, who is stuck in his memories, finds herself wandering through his high school hallway when she comes across a flyer for the school musical, Oklahoma. Several eagle-eyed fans have noted that the cast list looks very, very familiar.
Joyce Maldonado (aka Joyce Byers) is the director, while the cast includes James Hopper Jr. (AKA Hopper), Karen Childress (aka Karen Wheeler, demogorgon slayer), Ted Wheeler, Alan Munson (Eddie's uncle), Henry Creel (aka One/Vecna) and, someone else, who hasn't yet appeared in the show: Patty Newby.
I have several thoughts about all of this. First, what I wouldn't give to see Hopper perform “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'”. Second, of course, Karen was the lead in her high school musical. Third, of course Henry Creel played Curly, the misunderstood social outcast and villain of Oklahoma. Musical theatre nerdiness aside, there is, of course, another pressing matter: who is Patty Newby?
As the final season of the Netflix epic approaches, here's everything you need to know.
Although Patty Newby may not have appeared in the Netflix show (yet), you may recognise her last name.
Remember Bob Newby? Joyce's cuddly boyfriend in season 2, played by Lord of the Rings' Sean Astin, was torn apart by demogorgons. It's safe to say they're related.
And there's more. We do actually know quite a lot about her thanks to the Broadway/ West End play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Spoilers ahead for the play…
In Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is currently running on Broadway and the West End, we flash back to Hawkins 1959. The play follows Henry as a teen at Hawkins High, where he encounters Joyce, Hopper, Karen, Ted – the whole gang. Yes, Henry went to school with these guys.
Another of his classmates is Patty Newby. Newby is the adopted daughter of Principal Newby. Her adoptive brother is Bob.
Patty is one of Henry's only friends. Eventually, they even date. At the beginning of the play, Patty believes that Henry can use his powers for good. He, like Eleven, enters the void and finds her biological mother. However, his time in the void goes wrong, and when Patty's father enters the room, Henry is taken over by the shadowy Mind Flayer and almost kills him.
Siri, play Night Changes by One Direction.
Dr Brenner (yes, Papa) soon becomes involved as he tries to tap into Henry's powers. Eventually, Henry tells Patty that she can find her birth mother in Las Vegas — but the shadow takes over once more ,and Patty is inadvertently thrown from the roof.
Patty survives, but has to use a cane as a result of her injury. After a time in the hospital, she heads to Las Vegas to find her mother. The pair finally meet – and Henry watches on from the void.
It's certainly possible. Right now, it seems like Patty left Hawkins after her high school encounters with Henry – but keep your eyes peeled for a middle-aged woman using a cane, because it could very well be her!
The role of Patty Newby was originated by Gabrielle Nevaeh on Broadway.
Ella Karuna Williams originated the role on the West End. Miranda Mufema took over in 2024 and Avril Maponga took over in 2025.
