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.

Why are Stranger Things fans talking about Patty Newby, anyway? The Oklahoma theory.

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.

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

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?

Who is Patty Newby?

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.