Stranger Things : The First Shadow
Available Performances
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Fri 23 Jan13:00, 19:00
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Sat 24 Jan13:00, 19:00
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Sun 25 Jan15:00
⭐4.7
Samuel Paton ⭐⭐⭐⭐
previous EQI customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Becky ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
KE ⭐⭐⭐
heidi jensen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daniel OConnor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amy obrien ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Donna smith ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emily Huggard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nicola Smith ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Freya miller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laura Hughes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Serena Kern ⭐
Kevin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kaci Stark ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mrs Murkin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Samantha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Things to Know Before You Go
Do I need to have seen the Stranger Things series to enjoy the play?
No. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is written as a stand-alone story with its own beginning, middle and end. You don’t need to know the details of the TV series to follow the plot. However, existing fans will pick up on references, foreshadowing and character backstories that add an extra layer of enjoyment.
How scary is Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
The production is tense and atmospheric, with horror elements, sudden shocks and unsettling imagery in keeping with the tone of the series. While there is humour and heart to balance the darker moments, it may be intense for younger children or anyone who dislikes jump scares and supernatural themes.
What is the running time of the show?
The running time is approximately three hours. This allows the story to unfold like a full Stranger Things season condensed into one evening, with time for character development, big set pieces and a satisfying finale.
Is the play suitable for children and teenagers?
The show is generally recommended for ages 12 and over. Under-5s are not permitted, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Themes include peril, supernatural threat and some strong language, so it is best suited to older children and teenagers comfortable with darker material.
Where is Stranger Things: The First Shadow performed?
The production is staged at the Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road in London’s West End. The theatre is a short walk from Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square stations, making it easy to combine the show with dinner or drinks in nearby Soho or Covent Garden.
Are there any content warnings for this production?
Yes. The show features loud noises, gunfire sound effects, explosions, haze, smoke, flashing and strobe lighting, as well as occasional explicit language. It also includes depictions of mental health conditions and distress. If you or someone in your group is sensitive to these elements, it may be worth reading a more detailed advisory from the venue before booking.
About this show
Travel back to Hawkins, Indiana in 1959, where a gripping new chapter in the Stranger Things story begins. Long before the disappearance of Will Byers, the town is dealing with more ordinary problems: Jim Hopper’s unreliable car, Bob Newby’s underappreciated radio show and Joyce dreaming of life beyond Hawkins. The arrival of new student Henry Creel, however, sets off a chain of events that will change the town forever.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a cinematic, effects-driven stage thriller from Netflix and producer Sonia Friedman, directed by Stephen Daldry with co-director Justin Martin. Using ingenious stagecraft, illusions and sound design, the production conjures the eerie atmosphere of the series live on stage, complete with jump scares, haunting imagery and real emotional depth. It’s a West End drama with blockbuster-scale special effects, designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
You don’t need to know every detail of the TV series to follow the story, but fans will relish the deeper backstory and carefully planted connections. Blending horror, humour and coming-of-age drama, this is an unforgettable night out for Stranger Things fans and anyone who enjoys smart, supernatural thrillers.
