Plays

Stranger Things: The First Shadow Tickets

Name: Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Start: 2026-10-29T19:00:00
End: 2026-10-29T21:30:00
Location: Phoenix Theatre

Step into 1959 Hawkins with Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the West End play from Netflix’s blockbuster creators, where thrills, scares, and award-winning stagecraft await.

4.8/5(1,102)

Anna G

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The Phoenix Theatre was just beautiful. Overall a fantastic experience! The sound and lighting were incredibly well done, making the suspenseful scenes even more intense. The actors were excellent, and the special effects were genuinely impressive. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Stranger Things universe and wants to experience its story in a completely different way.

Milena A

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

This theater performance alone makes the trip to London worth it. The stage space, the actors' movements—everything is calibrated down to the millimeter to captivate the audience and draw you right into the scene. The opening draws a spontaneous round of applause mid-scene purely from the adrenaline. The ending is emotionally powerful. Taking photos wasn't allowed, so I'm posting one taken before the show started.

Jacob R

Couple

Verified booking

4 days ago

It was a fantastic theater experience. The actors were really talented, and the use of sound and sound gave you chills. There were some fantastic scene changes, and overall the sets were top-notch. Even the little spiders were scary. Thank you for an incredible experience.

Katja S

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Awesome!!! The acting was fantastic. Great theater, not quite as cramped as I've experienced at other musicals. And the stage with the rotating elements was brilliant.

Sina B

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Very cool special effects that constantly caught us by surprise. Some effects were very loud at times, though, which can definitely startle you. We thought the show was brilliant! Thank you very much.

Inna L

Group

Verified booking

4 days ago

We went to the Stranger Things show, and it was an amazing experience! The lighting, sound and special effects were fantastic. We really enjoyed it! 😊

Based on Netflix’s iconic series, Stranger Things: The First Shadow brings Hawkins to life in a play blending sci-fi, drama, and suspense in London’s West End.

Crafted by multi-award-winning creatives Kate Trefry, the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and director Stephen Daldry, this is your chance to see "breathtaking theatre" (The Guardian).

Explore themes of family, fear, and hidden powers, enhanced by immersive set design, strobe effects, haze, explosions, and masterful visual illusions.

Experience an original prequel story with young Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado, playing exclusively at the Phoenix Theatre. Book your Stranger Things: The First Shadow tickets now!

The story

Set in 1959, Hawkins faces secrets long buried as young Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado navigate small-town life. When Henry Creel and his family arrive seeking a fresh start, the shadows of the past begin to stir, revealing hidden powers and dark mysteries. Stranger Things: The First Shadow uncovers the origins of a story fans thought they knew. Can Hawkins survive what’s coming next?

Critics reviews

"A new chapter in theatre. It's out of the world"

-London Theatre

"The First Shadow is a scintillating experience"

-Metro

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

1,102 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, Germany, France and over 58 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Anna G
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The Phoenix Theatre was just beautiful. Overall a fantastic experience! The sound and lighting were incredibly well done, making the suspenseful scenes even more intense. The actors were excellent, and the special effects were genuinely impressive. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Stranger Things universe and wants to experience its story in a completely different way.
Milena A
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
This theater performance alone makes the trip to London worth it. The stage space, the actors' movements—everything is calibrated down to the millimeter to captivate the audience and draw you right into the scene. The opening draws a spontaneous round of applause mid-scene purely from the adrenaline. The ending is emotionally powerful. Taking photos wasn't allowed, so I'm posting one taken before the show started.
Jacob R
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
It was a fantastic theater experience. The actors were really talented, and the use of sound and sound gave you chills. There were some fantastic scene changes, and overall the sets were top-notch. Even the little spiders were scary. Thank you for an incredible experience.
Katja S
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Awesome!!! The acting was fantastic. Great theater, not quite as cramped as I've experienced at other musicals. And the stage with the rotating elements was brilliant.
Sina B
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Very cool special effects that constantly caught us by surprise. Some effects were very loud at times, though, which can definitely startle you. We thought the show was brilliant! Thank you very much.

Show details

Categories: Play, Fantasy, Drama, Stars on stage, Critics' choice

Audience: Suitable for 12+

Theater name: Phoenix Theatre

Find the best seats in the house with the Phoenix Theatre seating plan

Theater facilities: Bar, cloakroom, restrooms

Theater accessibility: Guide dogs allowed, accessible toilets, wheelchair spaces, guide dogs allowed, assistive listening system

Dress Code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Jack Christou as Henry Creel, Stewart Clarke as Dr. Brenner, Avril Maponga as Patty Newby, Max Potter as Bob Newby, Adam Wadsworth as James Hopper Jr., Edie Wright as Joyce Maldonado, Maximillian Graham as Alan Munson, Andrew Whipp as Chief Hopper, Andy Langtree as Victor Creel, Lauren O'Neil as Virginia Creel, Rufus Wright as Principal Newby

Director: Stephen Daldry

Co-director: Justin Martin

Producers: Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions

Original story: Kate Trefry and The Duffer Brothers

Playwright: Jack Thorne

Choreographer: Coral Messam

Movement directors: Lynne Page and Thomas Herron

Music: D.J. Walde and Annabelle Lee Revak

Set designers: Miriam Buether and Joana Dias

Lighting designers: Jon Clark and Lucía Sánchez Roldán

Sound designers: Paul Arditti, Rob Bettle and Christopher Reid

Costume designers: Brigitte Reiffenstuel and Claire Murphy

Additional tips

This show is recommended for ages 12 years and above. Children under 5 years will not be permitted inside the theatre.

Adults must always accompany children under the age of 16 years.

Content warning: This production contains gunfire audio, loud noises and explosions, haze and smoke, flashing lights and strobe, and strong language. There are depictions of various mental health conditions and disorders.

Keep in mind, most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Frequently asked questions about Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Q: How much do the Stranger Things: The First Shadow tickets cost?

A: Prices may change based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is Stranger Things: The First Shadow playing in London?

A: The show is playing at the Phoenix Theatre.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The show lasts for about 3 hours, including one intermission.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: Dive into Hawkins’ dark past as Henry Creel’s early experiments with supernatural powers unravel, setting the stage for the Stranger Things universe.

Q: Is the show connected to the Netflix series?

A: Yes, it’s a prequel to the Stranger Things series, exploring the origins of the Upside Down and Henry Creel’s dark powers.

Q: Are there any special effects in the show?

A: Yes, the production features immersive lighting, sound effects, and stagecraft that bring the Upside Down and supernatural elements to life.

Q: Can fans of the TV series expect familiar characters?

A: While the show focuses on the prequel timeline, it introduces early versions of key characters and the mysterious forces behind Hawkins’ strange events.

Q: Is there a recommended way to experience the show?

A: Arrive early to soak in the atmospheric set and visuals, and keep an eye out for Easter eggs connecting to the original Netflix series.

Q: Does Stranger Things: The First Shadow offer group discounts?

A: Yes. Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for discounted rates, making it ideal for schools, corporate outings, and larger parties.

Q: Which seats are best for Stranger Things: The First Shadow?

A: Stalls and the front of the Dress Circle offer some of the best views of the production's spectacular visual effects and stage illusions.