An official stage production based on Netflix’s smash hit series Stranger Things will open at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End in November 2023.
Called Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the show takes place in the sleepy town of Hawkins, Indiana, in 1959 before ‘the world turned upside down’. It will act as a prequel to the original series and follow the stories of beloved characters Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado (Byers), Bob Newby and Henry Creel (Vecna).
First announced in July 2022, the production comes after the unprecedented success of the show’s fourth season. It is being developed by an awarding winning creative time, helmed by acclaimed British director Stephen Daldry in partnership with Netflix and the show’s creators Matt and Ross Duffer.
The story has been created by Kate Trefry, who serves as a co-executive producer on the Netflix series CREDIT: NETFLIX/BRAD TORCHIA
The play has been written by Kate Trefry, who also serves as a co-executive producer of the series, and will feature co-direction from Justin Martin, set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark and sound design by Paul Arditti.
Gary Beestone from Gary Beestone Associates will serve as the show’s technical director, while Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher will create its illusion design and visual effects. Video design and visual effects will be designed by 59 Productions; wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates; casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG and international casting consulting by Jim Carnahan.
“We are beyond excited about Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” said the Duffer Brothers.
“Collaborating with the brilliant Stephen Daldry has been nothing short of inspiring, and Kate Trefry has written a play that is at turns surprising, scary and heartfelt.
“You will meet endearing new characters, as well as very familiar ones, on a journey into the past that sets the groundwork for the future of Stranger Things.” 
