Stranger Things Play The First Shadow to Make West End Debut in Late 2023

A stage prequel to the Netflix series Stranger Things will officially open in the West End this autumn.

Previously teased by Netflix last year, the new stage production, titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow is written by Kate Trefry, who is a co-executive producer and writer on the series, from a story she created with the Duffer Brothers and Jack Thorne. Stephen Daldry will direct, with codirection by Justin Martin.

Unlike the TV series, which grounds itself in 1980s pop culture, the stage production will be set in 1959 with characters including a young Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, Bob Newby, and Henry Creel (played respectively by David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Sean Astin, and Jamie Campbell Bower on screen).

The show is set to open at the Phoenix Theatre "late in 2023," with casting, on-sale details and dates to be revealed in due course.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow will have set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Arditti, illusions design by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, video design by 59 Productions, movement direction by Coral Messam, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG, international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan, Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates is Technical Director, with further creative team members to be announced.