Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a play written by Kate Trefry from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry. The story serves as a prequel to the events of the television series Stranger Things. It first previewed on November 17, 2023, and officially opened on December 14 at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End to rave reviews.

Background
In July 2022, it was revealed that a spin-off stage play and a spin-off series was in the works. The stage play was produced by Sonia Friedman, directed by Stephen Daldry, and written by Kate Trefry, based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry.

West End (2023)
On March 1, 2023, the show's title was announced as Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The show began previews on November 17, 2023 and officially opened on December 14, 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre.

The production is directed by Stephen Daldry with co-director Justin Martin, set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Arditti, illusions design & visual effects by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, video design & visual effects by 59 Productions, movement direction by Coral Messam, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Jessica Ronane Casting CDG, international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan, Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates is technical director, with further creative team members to be announced.

On September 20, 2023, the full cast was announced. The company will feature Oscar Lloyd as James Hopper Jr., Isabella Pappas as Joyce Maldonado, Chris Buckley as Bob Newby, Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, Patrick Vaill as Dr. Brenner, Ella Karuna Williams as Patty Newby, Michael Jibson as Victor Creel, and Lauren Ward as Virginia Creel.

Broadway (2025)
According to a casting notice from Actors Equity Association, the show is scheduled to transfer to Broadway in 2025. Further information is still to be announced.