The curtain rose on a brand-new dimension of Stranger Things in July 2022, when it was announced that a prequel stage play was underway. Stranger Things: The First Shadow promised to go beyond recreating the familiar scenes of Hawkins, Indiana, diving deeper into backstories and unexplored narratives that shaped the characters fans have grown to love. The production team was ambitious from the start. Produced by Sonia Friedman, a name synonymous with high-caliber theatrical productions, and co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, the play combines the Duffer Brothers’ original storytelling with stagecraft ingenuity.
The story itself was crafted collaboratively by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Kate Trefry, who also penned the script. Thorne, known for his work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, brought his expertise in adapting expansive universes for the stage, ensuring the prequel could stand alone while honoring the TV series’ rich lore. The title, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, was officially announced on March 1, 2023, building anticipation for its debut. On November 17, 2023, the play premiered at London’s Phoenix Theatre in the West End, earning acclaim for its innovative storytelling and immersive world-building.
Unlike adaptations that aim to replicate the screen version, The First Shadow seeks to expand the narrative canvas. Co-director Stephen Daldry emphasized that the goal was to complement the series, offering fans new insights into Hawkins and its characters while maintaining the tension, nostalgia, and supernatural thrill that define Stranger Things. It wasn’t about nostalgia alone; it was about creating a theatrical experience that could enthrall newcomers while satisfying even the most devoted fans.
Bringing Hawkins and the Upside Down to life on stage required a team capable of combining technical wizardry with artistic vision. Set designer Miriam Buether created environments that feel simultaneously familiar and unsettling, from the suburban mundanity of Hawkins to the ominous aura of the Upside Down. Costume designer Brigitte Reiffenstuel carefully curated wardrobes that reflect both character identity and the 1980s aesthetic central to the Stranger Things universe.
Lighting, often the silent protagonist in horror storytelling, was expertly handled by Jon Clark, whose atmospheric work made the transitions between normalcy and the supernatural both seamless and chilling. Sound designer Paul Arditti integrated elements reminiscent of the show’s iconic synth score, creating aural cues that immerse the audience in a world teetering between reality and otherworldly menace. Perhaps most impressively, illusion designers Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher conjured practical effects that allowed the Upside Down to manifest in ways that felt immediate and tangible, avoiding the overreliance on projection technology while keeping the magic intact.
The cast reflects the production’s commitment to nuanced performances. Oscar Lloyd embodies James Hopper Jr., providing insight into a character whose lineage fans have speculated about for years. Isabella Pappas portrays Joyce Maldonado, capturing the intelligence, fear, and maternal urgency that defines her on-screen counterpart. Patrick Vaill takes on Dr. Brenner, offering audiences a glimpse into the enigmatic figure who looms over Hawkins’ darkest secrets. Rising talents and seasoned performers alike collaborate to bring depth, tension, and humanity to the narrative, transforming the play into a multidimensional experience.
What stands out in The First Shadow is how each department works in unison. The interplay of sound, lighting, illusions, and performance creates an immersive environment where audience members can feel the threat of the Upside Down and the emotional weight of Hawkins’ human stories simultaneously. It’s a production that respects the intelligence of its viewers, trusting them to engage actively with the narrative rather than being passive observers.
Following its critical acclaim in London’s West End, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to transfer to Broadway at the Marquis Theatre, with previews beginning March 28, 2025, ahead of an official opening on April 22, 2025. The move signifies more than geographical expansion; it represents the franchise’s growing cultural footprint, showing that Stranger Things can thrive across multiple media platforms while maintaining narrative coherence and fan engagement.
Co-director Justin Martin highlighted the unique dynamics of London audiences, noting that “around 60 per cent of them had never been to the theatre,” which created a lively and sometimes unpredictable atmosphere. This demographic diversity influenced performance pacing, staging decisions, and audience engagement strategies, ensuring that the production could captivate a broad spectrum of viewers without diluting the story’s depth.
To complement the theatrical experience, Netflix will release a documentary titled Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The film promises to delve into the creative process, offering fans a look at rehearsals, set construction, and the intricacies of translating a beloved screen property to the stage. It’s an educational and entertaining companion piece, designed to enhance the theatrical experience while providing context for the adaptation choices made by the creative team.
As Stranger Things gears up for its fifth and final season in November 2025, The First Shadow serves as a testament to the franchise’s versatility. It enriches the existing narrative by exploring formative events, deepening audience understanding of characters like Hopper and Brenner, and providing a tangible sense of the Upside Down beyond cinematic effects. For fans who have grown up with the series, this stage production offers a new dimension of engagement, inviting them to step into Hawkins, Indiana, and experience the series’ signature blend of horror, heart, and humor live.
By transporting audiences from London to Broadway, the play demonstrates the enduring appeal of Stranger Things, proving that its narrative universe is expansive, adaptable, and capable of resonating across mediums. The combination of theatrical innovation, fidelity to the original story, and an immersive, multi-sensory approach makes Stranger Things: The First Shadow an essential part of the franchise experience. Fans, both old and new, can look forward to exploring the shadowy corners of Hawkins in ways that feel immediate, thrilling, and unforgettable.
