Since 1999

Trusted News & Reviews

25

years

best of british theatre

Official
tickets

Pick
your seats

Since 1999

25 years

Official tickets

Pick seats

Since 1999

Trusted News & Reviews

25

years

best of british theatre

Official
tickets

Pick
your seats

Play

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

A thrilling stage adaptation that explores the origins of Hawkins and the supernatural mysteries that haunt it.

3 hours (including interval)

Under 5s not permitted.

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£36.00

Stranger Things: The First Shadow transports audiences to 1959 Hawkins, Indiana. The seemingly sleepy town is home to new student Henry Creel, who struggles to adjust to his new life. Little does Henry know, this period in Hawkins' history will set the stage for the dark and mysterious events to come. As young Jim Hopper navigates a high school existence and Joyce Maldonado dreams of something beyond Hawkins, an unforeseen force begins to stir. The story explores secrets hidden beneath Hawkins' placid façade and the first signs of the menace that will haunt the town in the years to come.

Filled with nods to beloved characters from the original series, The First Shadow weaves a suspenseful narrative that brings fans back to the origins of the shadowy Upside Down. This spine-tingling prequel captures the essence of Stranger Things, providing fresh insights into the lives of familiar characters, as well as introducing new faces who will play a crucial part in the story of Hawkins.

Description

Stranger Things: The First Shadow transports audiences to 1959 Hawkins, Indiana. The seemingly sleepy town is home to new student Henry Creel, who struggles to adjust to his new life. Little does Henry know, this period in Hawkins' history will set the stage for the dark and mysterious events to come. As young Jim Hopper navigates a high school existence and Joyce Maldonado dreams of something beyond Hawkins, an unforeseen force begins to stir. The story explores secrets hidden beneath Hawkins' placid façade and the first signs of the menace that will haunt the town in the years to come.

Filled with nods to beloved characters from the original series, The First Shadow weaves a suspenseful narrative that brings fans back to the origins of the shadowy Upside Down. This spine-tingling prequel captures the essence of Stranger Things, providing fresh insights into the lives of familiar characters, as well as introducing new faces who will play a crucial part in the story of Hawkins.

Description

Stranger Things: The First Shadow transports audiences to 1959 Hawkins, Indiana. The seemingly sleepy town is home to new student Henry Creel, who struggles to adjust to his new life. Little does Henry know, this period in Hawkins' history will set the stage for the dark and mysterious events to come. As young Jim Hopper navigates a high school existence and Joyce Maldonado dreams of something beyond Hawkins, an unforeseen force begins to stir. The story explores secrets hidden beneath Hawkins' placid façade and the first signs of the menace that will haunt the town in the years to come.

Filled with nods to beloved characters from the original series, The First Shadow weaves a suspenseful narrative that brings fans back to the origins of the shadowy Upside Down. This spine-tingling prequel captures the essence of Stranger Things, providing fresh insights into the lives of familiar characters, as well as introducing new faces who will play a crucial part in the story of Hawkins.

Know before you go

  • Performance Length: The play runs approximately 3 hours, including an intermission.

  • Age Guidance: Recommended for audiences aged 12 and above. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5s will not be permitted.

  • Content Warning: This production contains gunfire audio, loud noises and explosions, haze and smoke, flashing lights and strobe, and strong language. There are depictions of various mental health conditions and disorders.

  • Location: Stranger Things: The First Shadow will be staged at the Phoenix Theatre in London.

  • Accessibility: The theatre is wheelchair accessible, with hearing assistance devices available upon request. It is advisable to contact the theatre for specific accessibility needs prior to your visit.

Know before you go

  • Performance Length: The play runs approximately 3 hours, including an intermission.

  • Age Guidance: Recommended for audiences aged 12 and above. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5s will not be permitted.

  • Content Warning: This production contains gunfire audio, loud noises and explosions, haze and smoke, flashing lights and strobe, and strong language. There are depictions of various mental health conditions and disorders.

  • Location: Stranger Things: The First Shadow will be staged at the Phoenix Theatre in London.

  • Accessibility: The theatre is wheelchair accessible, with hearing assistance devices available upon request. It is advisable to contact the theatre for specific accessibility needs prior to your visit.

Know before you go

  • Performance Length: The play runs approximately 3 hours, including an intermission.

  • Age Guidance: Recommended for audiences aged 12 and above. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5s will not be permitted.

  • Content Warning: This production contains gunfire audio, loud noises and explosions, haze and smoke, flashing lights and strobe, and strong language. There are depictions of various mental health conditions and disorders.

  • Location: Stranger Things: The First Shadow will be staged at the Phoenix Theatre in London.

  • Accessibility: The theatre is wheelchair accessible, with hearing assistance devices available upon request. It is advisable to contact the theatre for specific accessibility needs prior to your visit.

Visitor guidelines



Visitor guidelines



Visitor guidelines



Cast and creatives



Cast and creatives



Cast and creatives



Awards

WhatsOnStage Awards (2024):

  • Best New Play: Won

  • Best Professional Debut Performance: Louis McCartney - Nominated

  • Best Casting Direction: Jessica Ronane - Nominated

  • Best Lighting Design: Jon Clark - Nominated

  • Best Set Design: Miriam Buether - Nominated

  • Best Sound Design: Paul Arditti - Nominated

  • Best Video Design: 59 Productions - Nominated

  • Best Graphic Design: The Creative Partnership - Nominated

Laurence Olivier Awards (2024):

  • Best Entertainment or Comedy Play: Won

  • Best Director: Stephen Daldry (Director), Justin Martin (Co-Director) - Nominated

  • Best Lighting Design: Jon Clark - Nominated

  • Best Set Design: Miriam Buether (Set Design), 59 Productions (Video Design) - Won

  • Best Sound Design: Paul Arditti - Nominated

Awards

WhatsOnStage Awards (2024):

  • Best New Play: Won

  • Best Professional Debut Performance: Louis McCartney - Nominated

  • Best Casting Direction: Jessica Ronane - Nominated

  • Best Lighting Design: Jon Clark - Nominated

  • Best Set Design: Miriam Buether - Nominated

  • Best Sound Design: Paul Arditti - Nominated

  • Best Video Design: 59 Productions - Nominated

  • Best Graphic Design: The Creative Partnership - Nominated

Laurence Olivier Awards (2024):

  • Best Entertainment or Comedy Play: Won

  • Best Director: Stephen Daldry (Director), Justin Martin (Co-Director) - Nominated

  • Best Lighting Design: Jon Clark - Nominated

  • Best Set Design: Miriam Buether (Set Design), 59 Productions (Video Design) - Won

  • Best Sound Design: Paul Arditti - Nominated

Awards

WhatsOnStage Awards (2024):

  • Best New Play: Won

  • Best Professional Debut Performance: Louis McCartney - Nominated

  • Best Casting Direction: Jessica Ronane - Nominated

  • Best Lighting Design: Jon Clark - Nominated

  • Best Set Design: Miriam Buether - Nominated

  • Best Sound Design: Paul Arditti - Nominated

  • Best Video Design: 59 Productions - Nominated

  • Best Graphic Design: The Creative Partnership - Nominated

Laurence Olivier Awards (2024):

  • Best Entertainment or Comedy Play: Won

  • Best Director: Stephen Daldry (Director), Justin Martin (Co-Director) - Nominated

  • Best Lighting Design: Jon Clark - Nominated

  • Best Set Design: Miriam Buether (Set Design), 59 Productions (Video Design) - Won

  • Best Sound Design: Paul Arditti - Nominated

Frequently asked questions

Is the play suitable for children?

The show is recommended for viewers aged 12 and above due to themes of suspense and supernatural elements, which may be intense for younger children.

How long is the performance?

The play has a runtime of approximately 3 hours, including one intermission.

Are there any connections to the Netflix series?

Yes! The First Shadow serves as a prequel, offering deep insights into the backstory of key characters like Jim Hopper and Henry Creel, making it a must-watch for Stranger Things fans.

Where is the play being performed?

The play is staged at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End.

Can I buy merchandise at the venue?

Yes, exclusive Stranger Things merchandise will be available for purchase at the theatre.

Frequently asked questions

Is the play suitable for children?

The show is recommended for viewers aged 12 and above due to themes of suspense and supernatural elements, which may be intense for younger children.

How long is the performance?

The play has a runtime of approximately 3 hours, including one intermission.

Are there any connections to the Netflix series?

Yes! The First Shadow serves as a prequel, offering deep insights into the backstory of key characters like Jim Hopper and Henry Creel, making it a must-watch for Stranger Things fans.

Where is the play being performed?

The play is staged at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End.

Can I buy merchandise at the venue?

Yes, exclusive Stranger Things merchandise will be available for purchase at the theatre.

Frequently asked questions

Is the play suitable for children?

The show is recommended for viewers aged 12 and above due to themes of suspense and supernatural elements, which may be intense for younger children.

How long is the performance?

The play has a runtime of approximately 3 hours, including one intermission.

Are there any connections to the Netflix series?

Yes! The First Shadow serves as a prequel, offering deep insights into the backstory of key characters like Jim Hopper and Henry Creel, making it a must-watch for Stranger Things fans.

Where is the play being performed?

The play is staged at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End.

Can I buy merchandise at the venue?

Yes, exclusive Stranger Things merchandise will be available for purchase at the theatre.

In Phoenix Theatre

Venue address

110 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0JP

Venue address

110 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0JP

Venue address

110 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0JP

How to get there

Metro

Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

19, 22, 24, 38, 40, 176

Parking:

NCP Great Russell Street. MasterPark Chinatown. Soho, Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

How to get there

Metro

Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

19, 22, 24, 38, 40, 176

Parking:

NCP Great Russell Street. MasterPark Chinatown. Soho, Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

How to get there

Metro

Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

19, 22, 24, 38, 40, 176

Parking:

NCP Great Russell Street. MasterPark Chinatown. Soho, Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

Seating plan

Seating plan

Seating plan

Access

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available. Step free access.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available on Dress Circle level.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium (with the exception of productions with gunshots). Staff dog-sitting available.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Access

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available. Step free access.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available on Dress Circle level.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium (with the exception of productions with gunshots). Staff dog-sitting available.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Access

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Wheelchair spaces and transfers available. Step free access.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available on Dress Circle level.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium (with the exception of productions with gunshots). Staff dog-sitting available.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

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