Stranger Things : The First Shadow Tickets

July is only just (quite literally) melting into August, but if IG and TikTok have taught us anything, it's that autumn actually starts the moment someone spots a cinnamon candle in TK Maxx. Suddenly, everyone's debating the correct moment to bring knitwear back into circulation, iced matchas are being swapped for hot chocs and "I've actually started looking forward to darker evenings" becomes a perfectly acceptable thing to admit.  After weeks of relentless heatwaves, it's almost as if we've collectively agreed we've had enough. Before we know it, pub gardens will give way to cosy corners and I’ll be rooting around for my camel coat while "accidentally" re-binging Gilmore Girls from start to finish. But before I get too comfortable on the sofa, there's one autumn tradition I'd choose over all of that: a trip to the theatre. When the evenings draw in There's something about Sept to Nov that changes the vibe of London. The evenings start drawing in. People stop complaining that it's too hot to do anything and start making plans again. You meet a friend after work, wonder whether it's just cold enough for a scarf (it isn't, but you'll wear it anyway), and suddenly heading into the West End feels like the best idea anyone's had all week. The very best part? Walking through those theatre doors, and, for the next couple of hours, it doesn't matter if it's raining, blowing a gale or doing that annoying British thing where it does both at once. You're somewhere warm, the lights go down, the overture begins, and the outside world can just butt out for a while.  The shows that suit the season perfectly Some shows just seem to belong to autumn. If you're craving atmosphere, few evenings beat Phantom of the Opera, where candlelight, crashing chandeliers and one of the West End's most beautiful theatres just envelope you entirely, while Stranger Things: The First Shadow delivers exactly the kind of mystery that belongs on an autumn evening. And if comfort viewing had a theatrical equivalent, My Neighbour Totoro might just be it. Celebrating its 20th year, Wicked is another easy autumn recommendation. There's something wonderfully comforting about revisiting an old favourite as the seasons change, whether it's your first visit to Oz or your fifth. And for anyone who believes fairy tales aren't just for children, Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods is back in London from 22 September, weaving familiar stories into something darker, funnier and waaaay more enchanting. And from 9 October, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child becomes a one-part adventure. As the evenings grow darker, there are few worlds more inviting to disappear into than Hogwarts, with its candlelit Great Hall, crackling fireplaces, winding corridors and spellbinding storytelling. If ever there were a season to return, autumn is it!

Stranger Things: The First Shadow will bring its acclaimed West End run to a close this December, before also wrapping up its Broadway engagement shortly after. The production will play its final performance at London’s Phoenix Theatre on 27 December 2026, marking the end of its run in the capital following an extended and highly successful residency. Its New York staging at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre will then conclude a week later, with a final performance scheduled for 3 January 2027.

As Stranger Things Season 5 rolls out on Netflix, fans are discovering just how much the prequel stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, enriches the story. While only the first four episodes are available, connections to the play are already popping up, offering deeper insight into Henry Creel’s (001/Vecna) origin, Dr. Brenner’s experiments, and the roots of Hawkins’ supernatural events. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far, but beware, SPOILERS AHEAD! Henry Creel’s Origins and Project Indigo Playing the Phoenix Theatre, Stranger Things: The First Shadow dives deep into Henry Creel’s early life in Hawkins, showing him struggling to control his emerging psychic powers. Season 5’s flashbacks, particularly through Max’s journey into Vecna’s memories, highlight Henry’s inner turmoil—his original fear of hurting others and his growing darkness. The play details Project Indigo, Dr. Brenner’s early program to mold Henry and later other children, giving context to the lab’s operations in the show. Max walking through the memory of the Rainbow Room in S5 Episode 4 illustrates the early days of these experiments, and the moment Eleven overpowered Henry Creel after he manipulated her in the lab and killed the other children.  Vecna’s Fear of Caves In Season 5, Max finds refuge in a cave while trying to hide from Vecna inside his mind, and she notices that Vecna is afraid of caves and won’t follow her in there. For viewers, this might seem like a small detail—but The First Shadow explains why. In the play, young Henry Creel explored a Nevada cave where stolen experimental technology from the USS Eldridge project was hidden. This was his first exposure to Dimension X, which traumatised him and gave him a lasting fear of enclosed spaces like caves. Henry's Spyglass Here’s a fun Easter egg: Henry went into the Nevada cave with a toy spyglass, which he lost there. This spyglass is actually how Dr. Brenner first tracked him down to Hawkins years later. In Season 5, Holly Wheeler—Mike’s little sister—finds and uses that same spyglass in the Creel house after she’s kidnapped and brought into the Upside Down. It’s a clever link between past and present, showing how Henry’s early trauma continues to shape the dangers in the present day

Stranger Things: The First Shadow has extended its run at London’s Phoenix Theatre, AND revealed a new host of students joining Hawkins High! Now playing until 5 April 2026, the stage prequel takes place decades before the bike chases, the Christmas lights, and the Upside Down of the Netflix series. Instead, audiences are transported to 1959, where the Creel family’s arrival in Hawkins sparks a chain of eerie events that hint at the darkness still to come. From 12th November (exactly 2 weeks before the Stranger Things series finale on Netflix) the multi award-winning production will see Jack Christou (The Crucible) as Henry Creel, Stewart Clarke (Cabaret) as Dr. Brenner, Avril Maponga (Witness for the Prosecution) as Patty Newby, Max Potter (My Neighbour Totoro) as Bob Newby, Adam Wadsworth (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as James Hopper Jr., and Edie Wright (Back to the Future) as Joyce Maldonado.

A Guide to Stranger Things: The First Shadow Characters Set 24 years before the events of the Netflix series, this prequel features some of the beloved characters fans have come to know and love. Since debuting at the Phoenix Theatre on December 14, 2023, Stranger Things: The First Shadow has been setting the West End alight! The Tony Award-winning play, based on the Netflix cultural phenomenon Stranger Things, has taken audiences on a paranormal and thrilling journey. Now is the time to get to know the characters of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Who are the main Stranger Things: The First Shadow characters? From a range of eclectic characters including a troubled teenager, a tech savvy nerd, a kind-hearted soul, and traumatised World War II veteran, get to know the characters of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Henry Creel A misunderstood and troubled teenager who struggles with his psychokinetic abilities. Henry builds a strong connection with Patty Newby, the principle's daughter who encourages to accept his powers good. Victor Creel A World War II veteran dealing with PTSD. His experience of the war has scarred him with trauma and regret. Victor is the father of troubled teenager Henry Creel. Virginia Creel The matriarch of the Creel family, the 1950’s housewife is battling to be a good mother but struggling hard with her son’s Henry's powers and unstable behaviour. Bob Newby A tech nerd who is socially awkward. Bob yearns for acceptance and is a kind-hearted soul dealing with a militant father who is also the school principal. Patty Newby The adoptive daughter of Principal Newby and adoptive sister to Bob, she is a courageous and brave and forms a loving bond with Henry Creel that make him feel valued. Joyce Maldonado A senior at Hawkins High School, she longs to leave Hawkins and has big dreams of working in theatre. She attends the same school of Henry Creel. Dr Brenner A relentless scientist unafraid to cross ethical lines in the name of scientific progress. Dr Brenner is driven by ambition and experiments with Henry and other children to reproduce his powers. James Hopper Jr Jim Hooper, young, rebellious, and unwilling to conform, struggles under his father's authority and resents the burden of his family legacy. Though self-centered, he shows glimpses of a heroic spirit. Chief Hopper  The father of James Hopper Jr., he is the Chief of Police in the small town of Hawkins. He is stern and militant with his son but is well respected within the community Which famous actors have played Stranger Things characters? Louis McCartney originated the role of Henry Creel in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, earning rave reviews and a 2024 Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in a Play. He reprised the role on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in April 2025, where his performance scored multiple award nods, including a Tony nomination for Best Lead Actor. Several prominent actors have starred in Stranger Things on Netflix. The main cast is led by Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder and David Harbour. Other notable cast members include Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, and Matthew Modine. Note, all these actors were in the Netflix series and do not perform in the stage play.  

It was a Brist(ish) invasion at last night's 78th Tony Awards! The West End won big as 2024 Olivier Award winners, not content with last year's statue, picked up another gong to add to their ever-growing collection.  Yes, technically, an Australian and American were among the mix, but we’re making like the British Museum and claiming them as our own - well, they did start their award-winning runs at the Savoy Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket respectively.  Sunset Boulevard  Jamie Lloyd’s monochrome masterpiece continues to captivate. Its leading lady, Olivier Award-winner Nicole Scherzinger, picked up her first Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. She was visibly emotional by the win, crying into the microphone declaring that the accolade had made a "little Hawaiian, Ukrainian, Filipino girl’s dream come true.’  The bloody brilliant musical, which took home seven Olivier Awards last year, also Won Best Revival of a Musical, and Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Jack Knowles. Tom Francis, who has swapped strolling down The Strand for traipsing through Times Square had fierce competition in his category, which was ultimately won by Darren Criss for Maybe Happy Ending. Jamie Lloyd, who will be opening Evita in the West End next week, was also nominated, but couldn’t replicate last year's win. With buzz already circulating online around his next impressive feat (yes, we’ve watched the balcony scene approximately 352 times) we’re sure his next award win won’t be far away. So we won’t cry for him just yet.  Stranger Things the First Shadow So, the show is set in an American High School, and is based on Netflix’s TV show BUT it had its world premiere at the West End’s Phoenix Theatre. Another West End win. The production picked up three awards, with Paul Arditti winning Best Sound Design of a Play, Jon Clark winning Best Lighting Design of a Play, and Miriam Buether and 59 winning Best Scenic Design of a Play. Stranger Things the First Shadow, which stars Louis McCartney, who originated the role of Henry Creel on the West End, also went home with a Special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical Effects.  Operation Mincemeat The very British musical has received a warm welcome by their allies across the pond. The Yanks have taken to Jak Malone as much as we have, with the Olivier Award winner taking home Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for his tear-jerking turn as Hester. Malone beat some stiff competition to take home the prize, seeing off Tony Award winner Danny Burstein and Broadway veteran Jeb Brown.  The Picture of Dorian Gray The one woman, multi-screen epic received critical acclaim when it played the West End last year. Taking home Olivier Awards for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a play for Sarah Snook, and Best Costume Design of a Play for Marg Horwell. History repeated itself last night, with picture perfect precision as Sarah Snook took home the Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading role in a Play and Marg Horwell won Best Costume Design of a Play!

Set in 1959 Hawkins, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a gripping theatrical prequel to the hit Netflix series. Before the Upside Down, before Eleven, there was Henry Creel—a troubled teenager whose arrival sparks a dark chain of events. Featuring younger versions of familiar characters like Joyce, Hopper, and Bob, this original West End production blends 1950s nostalgia with supernatural suspense to reveal the haunting origin story behind the Stranger Things universe. Currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre, let’s find out more about the talented cast members.

Spring has sprung, and so has one of the best deals in theatreland! Our Spring Spectacular is back, meaning you can snag tickets to some of the hottest West End plays at up to 59% off, with prices starting at just £15. And trust us, we’ve got something for everyone - whether you want to dive into a chilling mystery, laugh until your sides hurt, or witness powerhouse performances from Hollywood and Broadway stars, now's the time to grab your seats at unbeatable prices. With an incredible lineup featuring Oscar winners, Tony winners, and even acting royalty (well, she did play the Queen), the West End has never been more exciting. Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Save up to 32% Step back into the world of Hawkins before the Upside Down took over. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a thrilling stage adaptation that serves as a prequel to the hit Netflix series, bringing audiences face-to-face with the supernatural origins of the Stranger Things universe. Created by the Duffer Brothers, with direction by Stephen Daldry, this production boasts spectacular visual effects and an engrossing story that makes it one of the most exciting shows in town. Want to know what goes on backstage before seeing it on stage? Then you’re in luck. Netflix recently announced Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a documentary that follows the West End cast as they prepare for the world premiere - which streams from 15 April. If you love the show, this is your chance to witness the magic behind the scenes before experiencing it live in the theatre. Book Stranger Things: The First Shadow tickets today and save up to 32%! The Play That Goes Wrong | Save up to 40% Get ready for an evening of non-stop laughter with The Play That Goes Wrong. This Olivier Award-winning comedy follows an amateur dramatic society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery—with disastrous (and absolutely hilarious) results. Expect collapsing sets, forgotten lines, and outrageous mishaps that will leave you in stitches from start to finish. Created by Mischief Theatre, this production has won Best New Comedy at the Olivier Awards and continues to delight audiences worldwide. Originally premiering in a tiny London theatre above a pub, this show has since become a global sensation, even making its way to Broadway. If you love slapstick comedy in the vein of One Man, Two Guvoners or Noises Off, this is the perfect play for you. Book The Play That Goes Wrong tickets today and save up to 40%! Stereophonic | Exclusive prices The most Tony-nominated play in Broadway history is heading to London, and it’s ready to turn the West End into a 70s rock paradise. Stereophonic is a gritty, immersive look at the recording of a groundbreaking rock album, following a band on the brink of superstardom… and self-destruction. As tensions rise between the bandmates, personal and creative conflicts threaten to derail everything they’ve built. The show blends brilliantly raw storytelling with live music, creating a visceral, you-are-there experience that critics have hailed as one of the best depictions of rock history ever put on stage. The Broadway production has been a runaway success, earning more Tony nominations than any other play in history, and now it’s ready to take the West End by storm. If you love the music drama of Daisy Jones and the Six, the passion of A Star Is Born, and the energy of a real rock concert, this is the must-see play of the year. Book Stereophonic tickets today and pay exclusive prices The Mousetrap | Save up to 34% A true West End institution, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been keeping audiences guessing for over 70 years. This classic whodunit immerses audiences in a tale of intrigue, deception, and shocking twists, with a tradition of secrecy that demands every audience member keep the killer's identity a secret. The play is famous for being the longest-running show in theatre history, with over 28,000 performances since its 1952 premiere. Fun fact: The Mousetrap was originally a radio play written by Agatha Christie as a birthday gift for Queen Mary. Now, it remains one of the best-loved murder mysteries of all time, a must-see for any theatre lover. Book The Mousetrap tickets today and save up to 34%! Fawlty Towers: The Play | Save up to 45% One of the UK’s most beloved sitcoms has finally made its way to the stage! John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers: The Play brings Basil, Sybil, and Manuel to life in a side-splitting adaptation packed with iconic moments from the classic series. Expect plenty of miscommunication, absurdity, and laugh-out-loud moments that capture the chaotic energy of the original BBC show created by John Cleese. Audiences and critics alike have raved about how perfectly the play recreates the magic of the television series. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Fawlty Towers for the first time, this is a comedy classic you won't want to miss. Book Fawlty Towers: The Play tickets today and save up to 45%!

The multi award-winning West End show is going Demogorg-on and on and on, with Stranger Things: the First Shadow today confirming ANOTHER London extension. The sci-fi spectacular is now running until 7 September 2025!  The prequel to the cult Netflix hit follows the inhabitants of Hawkins, before their world turned upside down. With an original story by the Duffer Brothers (the creators, directors, and executive producers of the series), the show won two Oliviers and the WhatsOnStage award for Best New Play. Louis McCartney (who will be transferring with the show to Broadway next year) won the Stage 2024 Debut Award for Best Performer in a Play and the Critics' Circle Award for Most Promising Newcomer for his professional debut, originating the role of Henry Creel.  Now leading the show are; Louis Healy (Henry Creel), Callum Maxwell (Bob Newby), Miranda Mufema (Patty Newby), Luke Mullins (Dr Brenner), Jessica Rhodes (Joyce Maldonado) and George Smale (James Hopper Jr).

Stranger Things Day, celebrated annually on 6th November, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to fans of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Marking the anniversary of the disappearance of Will Byers, the annual celebration pays homage to the mystery, adventure, and supernatural thrills of the show, along with its beloved characters and iconic monsters. If you're looking to dive into the world of Demogorgons, Eggo waffles, and Upside Down portals, here’s everything you need to know about Stranger Things Day, and some rad ways to celebrate it! What is Stranger Things Day? Stranger Things Day was created by Netflix as a way to celebrate the sci-fi series and tease upcoming seasons. It also marks the anniversary of the disappearance of Will Byers, the boy with the bowl cut who vanished whilst cycling home back in 1983. His mysterious disappearance kicked off the chain of supernatural events that fans worldwide have come to adore. Netflix officially recognized Stranger Things Day in 2018, giving fans a chance to celebrate and connect over all things Stranger Things, both online and through in-person events. Over the years, Stranger Things Day has evolved into an opportunity for Netflix and fans alike to celebrate the show with exclusive merchandise releases, behind-the-scenes content, teaser drops for upcoming seasons, and even pop-up events in select cities. About Stranger Things Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, first premiered on Netflix in July 2016. Set in the 1980s, the series centres around a group of kids in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, who stumble upon a government conspiracy involving a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down (which, until pre-production, was named The Nether).  Taking inspiration from classic ’80s films like, E.T., The Goonies, and Stand by Me. The Duffer Brothers packed each and every episode with references to the era's pop culture, music, and fashion. The actors who portray the group of pre-teen nerds and a superhuman girl, were all born two decades after the show it set, meaning they were first introduced to Dungeons and Dragons, legwarmers, and The Clash whilst filming the hit-show! Ironically (and remarkably), Millie Bobby Brown was just ten when she took on the role of Eleven! The Stranger Things kids have grown a lot since the first episode aired, all becoming household names across the globe. And the actors aren’t the only ones who have gotten bigger. The series itself has grown exponentially. With its unique blend of sci-fi, horror, humour and a killer soundtrack, Stranger Things has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. By the time Season 3 aired, Stranger Things was watched by over 40 million households in its first four days, making it one of Netflix's most popular original series. Stranger Things: The First Shadow With the excitement building for the imminent Season 5, fans can immerse themselves in the world of Hawkins even further with Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a live stage production that opened in 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End. The multi award-winning play is set years before the events of the TV series, bringing audiences back to 1959 in Hawkins. Created by TV series writers, The Duffer Brothers, the show is canon within the Stranger Things universe. The play focuses on familiar characters from the series, including Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado (later Byers), in their younger days. It explores the origins of the supernatural mysteries that would later consume Hawkins and introduces new characters and storylines that deepen the lore of the Stranger Things universe. Through stunning set design and an atmospheric blend of live effects and storytelling, The First Shadow offers fans a hauntingly beautiful experience that builds on the mythology of the show.