Plays

Stranger Things: The First Shadow Tickets

Three people sitting on stage in front of green curtains, part of "Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Control room scene from Stranger Things: The First Shadow with characters and vintage monitors.

Man in pajamas near Henderson Liquors sign, couple embracing, Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Group of students in a school setting, one standing on a chair, from Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Duration

2 hr 30 min

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(783)

Stephanie M

Group

Verified booking

4 days ago

I found Stranger Things: The First Shadow truly avant‑garde and completely immersive. From start to finish, the staging is stunning — inventive, fluid, and almost cinematic in the way scenes unfold. The sets are incredibly realistic, creating the feeling of being pulled straight into Hawkins and its eerie atmosphere. The cast delivers excellent performances, perfectly balanced and emotionally engaging. Every character feels authentic and alive on stage. But what impressed me the most were the special effects. They far exceeded my expectations. The illusions, lighting, transitions, and visual tricks are so masterfully executed that you genuinely feel at the heart of the action, as if the Upside Down were opening right in front of you. Overall, it’s without a doubt the most accomplished show I’ve ever seen — ambitious, spectacular, and technically flawless. Bravo to the entire team for such an extraordinary experience.

Paolo I

Group

Verified booking

3 days ago

We came to London specifically to see *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*, and I have to say the show was well worth the trip—it far exceeded all our expectations. Everything is fantastic: movie-quality special effects, incredibly talented actors, and an incredibly engaging script with a fast-paced rhythm that transports you in an instant to 1950s Hawkins. We had found tickets for the Grand Circle (the cheapest ones), but we could see everything perfectly and were able to enjoy the show in all its spectacular glory. We arrived about 40 minutes before the show started, so we were also able to check out the official store and buy the show’s program. In short, everything was truly fantastic, and I highly recommend it to everyone!

Dora B

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The visuals and the utterly enjoyable performances. I would however recommend to open up the bars 45-60 minutes earlier. It was not nice to stay in lines already in the premises. Or please inform the ticketholders. We went there an hour before to have a calm experience and had to wait another 30 minutes.

Hamelin H

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

An absolutely unforgettable experience at the Stranger Things theater in London! It was a dream come true for my 15-year-old daughter, who loves theater and is a huge fan of the show… and that dream far exceeded all our expectations ✨ As for me, I was a little apprehensive: a three-hour show while having limited mobility wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. And yet… everything was perfect. The venue, the atmosphere, the staging, the effects… everything was spectacular. I particularly enjoyed the intermission, which gave us a chance to catch our breath, but more importantly, to extend this incredible immersion. A breathtaking show—without a doubt our most beautiful memory of London ❤️ I recommend it 100%!

Barrie H

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

We went with our daughter on Tuesday to the theather. Acttors were amazing and created the same admosphere as in the Netflix serie. It was as welll for my wife an great experience because she hasn't seen the serie yet but it is a good beginning. My daughter told us it was very reel and best show ever! Unfortunately this show is not available in the Netherlands. What made the show increadible, the actors and of course the special effects and the optimal use of the limited space in the Theater.

Heiko W

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

This play was incredible—I've never experienced anything like it. It's a real treat for Stranger Things fans. At the end, everyone stood up, with tears in their eyes—including me. Sensational. Sure, the tickets aren't exactly cheap, but it was totally worth the trip.

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.

783 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 Germany, United States, France and over 51 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Sonja K
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The venue was great, the show nothing short to spectacular. Lightshow, videoinstallation, tempo, sound effects and great actors. Higjly recommend
Stephanie M
Group
Verified booking
4 days ago
I found Stranger Things: The First Shadow truly avant‑garde and completely immersive. From start to finish, the staging is stunning — inventive, fluid, and almost cinematic in the way scenes unfold. The sets are incredibly realistic, creating the feeling of being pulled straight into Hawkins and its eerie atmosphere. The cast delivers excellent performances, perfectly balanced and emotionally engaging. Every character feels authentic and alive on stage. But what impressed me the most were the special effects. They far exceeded my expectations. The illusions, lighting, transitions, and visual tricks are so masterfully executed that you genuinely feel at the heart of the action, as if the Upside Down were opening right in front of you. Overall, it’s without a doubt the most accomplished show I’ve ever seen — ambitious, spectacular, and technically flawless. Bravo to the entire team for such an extraordinary experience.
Paolo I
Group
Verified booking
3 days ago
We came to London specifically to see *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*, and I have to say the show was well worth the trip—it far exceeded all our expectations. Everything is fantastic: movie-quality special effects, incredibly talented actors, and an incredibly engaging script with a fast-paced rhythm that transports you in an instant to 1950s Hawkins. We had found tickets for the Grand Circle (the cheapest ones), but we could see everything perfectly and were able to enjoy the show in all its spectacular glory. We arrived about 40 minutes before the show started, so we were also able to check out the official store and buy the show’s program. In short, everything was truly fantastic, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Dora B
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The visuals and the utterly enjoyable performances. I would however recommend to open up the bars 45-60 minutes earlier. It was not nice to stay in lines already in the premises. Or please inform the ticketholders. We went there an hour before to have a calm experience and had to wait another 30 minutes.
Elaine A
Group
Verified booking
2 days ago
From the moment you enter the auditorium you are captivated. The whole show was amazing. Acting and effects were phenomenal 🤩

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: Shane Attwooll as Chief Hopper, Jessica Rhodes as Joyce Maldonado, Louis Healy as Henry Creel, Ammar Duffus as Charles Sinclair, Matthew Pidgeon as Principle Newby, Rhianna Dorris as Sue Anderson, Jack Crumlin as Lonnie Byers, Callum Maxwell as Bob Newby, Barney Wilkinson as Ted Wheeler, Karen Childress as Edie Wright, Allen Munson as Michael Murray, Andy Langtree as Victor Creel, George Smale as James Hopper Jr, Jack Gardner as Walter Henderson, Claudia Yount as Betsy Mayle, Luke Mullins as Dr Brenner, Lauren O’Neil as Virginia Creel, Miranda Mufema as Patty 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.