Stranger Things Set for the Stage in London

Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a play rooted in the world of the hit Netflix series, is set to debut at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End in late 2023.

Based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, the play takes place in Hawkins, Indiana, in 1959, when young Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Joyce Maldonado are plagued by normal high school worries. The supernatural begins to afflict their town when new student Henry Creel and his family arrive.

The play is written by Trefry, who is also a writer and co-executive producer on the Netflix series. Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions are producing the stage adaptation, with the Duffer Brothers acting as creative producers and 21 Laps serving as associate producer.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow will be directed by Stephen Daldry with co-director Justin Martin. Further information on tickets, on-sale details, performance schedules, the full creative team and casting will come at a later date.

“We are beyond excited about Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” the Duffer Brothers said. “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. We’re dying to tell you more about the story but won’t—it’s more fun to discover it for yourself. Can’t wait to see you nerds in London!”

Friedman said, “The world and mythology of Stranger Things has enabled a rich and fertile ground for creating an incredible story for the stage. The Duffer Brothers have built a huge global following for good reason, and a world-class creative team has built on their boundless imagination to dream up an unbelievably exciting theatrical event for our audiences. Set within the canon of Stranger Things, this new play opens in London, with the West End hosting the only place in the world to experience this new story—for now. I’m thrilled to reunite with my visionary long-term collaborator Stephen Daldry. Together, with our brilliant Netflix partners, we can’t wait to welcome Stranger Things fans into theater, and theatergoers into the realm of Stranger Things.”

“Stranger Things has captured the imagination of fans around the world, and we are incredibly thrilled to expand this exciting universe with Netflix’s first live stage production,” added Greg Lombardo, VP of live experiences at Netflix. “With the creative talents of Matt and Ross Duffer combined with Sonia Friedman and Stephen Daldry, theatergoers will be swept up in a truly epic event worthy of Stranger Things.”