Stranger Things: The First Shadow tickets

See Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the much-anticipated prequel to the popular Netflix series. Experience a thrilling show packed with theatrical storytelling and stagecraft at the Phoenix Theatre.

The theatre adaptation of the pop culture phenomenon has wowed West End audiences with its immersive adaptation and spectacular special effects that put the small town of Hawkins at the heart of the action.

What is Stranger Things: The First Shadow about?

Discover where Stranger Things began with an epic journey into the past, created as a prequel to the popular sci-fi thriller series, where the lines between reality and fiction blur.

Watch the story unfold in 1959, when a young Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Joyce Maldonado look for a new beginning in the small town of Hawkins, but realise a fresh start isn’t so easy with the arrival of new student Henry Creel causing them to encounter shadows of the past.

The theatrical prequel stays true to the Stranger Things’ pop-culture style, written by the show’s co-executive producer Kate Trefry and directed by multi-award-winning Stephen Daldry. 

Be dazzled by innovative stagecraft, mesmerising performances and a pulsating synth soundtrack, as the production makes use of illusions and visual effects to transport you into the world of Stranger Things.

Stranger Things play: the London cast

Joshua McElroy (The Great Gatsby, NCIS: Sydney) plays Lonnie Byers, Anastasia Koloko – making her professional debut – takes on the role of Sue Anderson, and they are joined on stage by Ammar Duffus (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as Charles Sinclair and Jack Gardner (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Walter Henderson.

The other cast members are Maya Guinion (Annie) as Alice Creel, Andrew Whipp (Arcadia, Outlander) as Chief Hopper and Jack Christou (Matilda, Doctors) as Henry Creel.

The production continues to wow audiences after winning two Olivier Awards in 2024, including Best Entertainment and Best Set Design. Following its groundbreaking success, a new cast opened a second production on Broadway in March 2025, winning three Tony Awards that same year, including Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Sound Design for a Play.

How can I get tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London's West End?

Book tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow now with Visit London. Check out the seating plan to pick where to sit to watch this strictly limited season. Ticket prices can be seen when viewing the seating map.

The show is currently booking until 31 May 2026.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow review

Want to find out more about the play, including the must-see moments and how immersive special effects are used? Make sure you read our review of Stranger Things: The First Shadow on the Visit London blog.

Is Stranger Things a musical or play?

Stranger Things: The First Shadow the play is a prequel to the popular sci-fi Netflix TV series. The play, which opened in London's West End in 2023, takes audiences back to Hawkins in 1959, two decades before the events of the hit TV show.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow running time

The running time for Stranger Things: The First Shadow is three hours long, including one interval.

Where is the show playing in London?

The play is performing at the Phoenix Theatre, close to Leicester Square Tube station.

How to get there:

• Underground – The nearest Tube stations are Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines) and Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines).
• Bus – You can catch the following buses which stop nearby: 14, 19, 23, 24, 29, 38, 176.
• Cycling – Rent a Santander bike and head to Moor Street in Soho where you can find a Santander docking station.

What time is the evening performance?

Evening performances usually take place Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7pm.

Is there a matinee performance?

Matinee performances are showing Fridays and Saturdays at 1pm and on Sundays at 3pm .

What age is the show suitable for?

The show is recommended for anyone aged 12 and above. Children under the age of five will not be admitted.

What other shows can I see in London?

See more musical adaptations of pop culture favourites with The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre. Or follow the comical adventures of two missionaries attempting to convert a village in the satirical show The Book of Mormon currently at The Prince of Wales Theatre.