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Meet the Cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow
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(Updated on 27 Apr 2026)
Set in 1959 Hawkins, [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/stranger-things-the-first-shadow-tickets) is a gripping theatrical prequel to the hit Netflix series. Before the Upside Down, before Eleven, there was Henry Creel—a troubled teenager whose arrival sparks a dark chain of events. Featuring younger versions of familiar characters like Joyce, Hopper, and Bob, this original West End production blends 1950s nostalgia with supernatural suspense to reveal the haunting origin story behind the Stranger Things universe. Currently playing at the [Phoenix Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/phoenix-theatre-london), let’s find out more about the talented cast members.
### **Who plays Henry Creel in *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*?**
The role of Henry Creel, the troubled teenager who eventually becomes the infamous Vecna, is currently played by **Stanley Treshansky**. This production marks Stanley's West End debut!
### **Who plays Joyce Maldonado in *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*?**
The young Joyce Byers, known here as Joyce Maldonado, is portrayed by **Edie Wright**. This role explores Joyce’s life before the events of the Netflix series, giving fans a glimpse of her early years in Hawkins. This is also Wright's West End debut!
### **Who plays Jim Hopper Jr. in *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*?**
The teenage version of the future Hawkins police chief, James Hopper Jr., is played by **Adam Wadsworth** (*The Merry Wives of Windsor, All's Well That Ends Well* at [the Shakespeare's Globe](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/tickets/shakespeares-globe-theatre)). The show delves into his youth and the experiences that shape the man audiences know from the series.
### **Who plays Bob Newby in *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*?**
Bob Newby, the kind-hearted and geeky character from the series, is brought to life by **Max Potter **(*A Monster Calls* at the Barn Theatre and [*Oliver!*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/oliver-gielgud-tickets) UK tour) in the West End production. His story adds depth to the prequel’s narrative. This marks Potter's West End debut!
### **Who plays Dr. Brenner in *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*?**
The enigmatic scientist, Dr. Brenner, who is central to Hawkins’ dark secrets, is played by **Stewart Clarke **(West End credits include *[Les Misérables](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/les-miserables-tickets), [Cabaret](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/cabaret-london-tickets), Be More Chill*). The play presents an earlier chapter in Brenner’s controversial work.
### **Who are the other Stranger Things: The First Shadow cast members?**
The full company includes **Andrew Whipp** as Chief Hopper, **Joshua McElroy** as Lonnie Byers, **Avril Maponga** as Patty Newby, **Leah St Luce** as Sue Anderson, **Ammar Duffus** as Charles Sinclair, **Andy Langtree** as Victor Creel, and **Lauren O’Neil** as Virginia Creel, among many others. The cast features a large ensemble of talented performers who bring Hawkins’ 1959 community to life.
### **Has Stranger Things: The First Shadow won any awards?**
Yes. The play has won multiple awards, including two Olivier Awards and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play. It also earned the Stage 2024 Debut Award and the Critics' Circle Award for Most Promising Newcomer for Louis McCartney’s original portrayal of Henry Creel.
### **When is Stranger Things: The First Shadow set?**
The story takes place in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana—decades before the events of the popular Netflix series. It reveals the origins of the supernatural forces and characters that fans know and love.
### **Who wrote Stranger Things: The First Shadow?**
*Stranger Things: The First Shadow* was written by **Kate Trefry**, based on an original story by **The Duffer Brothers**, **Jack Thorne**, and Trefry. The production is directed by **Stephen Daldry**, with the Duffer Brothers also serving as creative producers.