In July 2022, it was revealed that a spin-off stage play and a spin-off series were in the works.[3] The stage play was produced by Sonia Friedman, directed by Stephen Daldry,[4] and written by Kate Trefry,[5] based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry.[6]
Production history
West End (2023)
On March 1, 2023, the show's title was announced as Stranger Things: The First Shadow.[7] The show began previews on November 17, 2023, and officially opened on December 14, 2023, at the Phoenix Theatre.[8][1]
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, illusion 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.[9]
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.[10][1]
Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre, London, in April 2024
Broadway (2025)
On August 6, 2024, it was announced that the show would transfer to Broadway in Spring 2025. Previews began at the Marquis Theatre on March 28, 2025, while the play's official opening date was on April 22, 2025.[11][12]Louis McCartney was announced to be reprising the role of Henry Creel for the Broadway transfer in 2025.[13]