Stranger Things: The First Shadow Final Performance Date Announced
Published on 9 June 2026
Summary
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow to close in the West End on 27 December 2026 at the Phoenix Theatre
- It opened in the West End on 14 December 2023, going on to become an award-winning, critically acclaimed hit across its run on both sides of the Atlantic
- Read what Matt and Ross Duffer had to say about the production’s final run
Stranger Things: The First Shadow will bring its acclaimed West End run to a close this December, before also wrapping up its Broadway engagement shortly after.
The production will play its final performance at London’s Phoenix Theatre on 27 December 2026, marking the end of its run in the capital following an extended and highly successful residency. Its New York staging at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre will then conclude a week later, with a final performance scheduled for 3 January 2027.
Produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions, the stage prequel first opened in the West End on 14 December 2023. The Broadway production later followed, beginning previews on 28 March 2025 before officially opening on 22 April 2025.
Set in Hawkins, Indiana in 1959, the play serves as a prequel to the hit Netflix series, exploring the early story of Henry Creel. It is written by Kate Trefry, from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry, and directed by Stephen Daldry with co-direction by Justin Martin.
The production has gone on to collect major industry recognition on both sides of the Atlantic. In London, it received the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play, alongside two Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Set Design, as well as Critics’ Circle honours for Best Set Design and Most Promising Newcomer. On Broadway, the show secured three Tony Awards.
The Broadway staging was also filmed in February 2026 for a planned Netflix release.
Matt and Ross Duffer, creative producers and creators of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, said today: “When the legendary Stephen Daldry first came to us with the idea of making a Stranger Things play, we were stunned – both by the fact that Stephen wanted to do this, and that he believed it could work. And boy, did it work.
“We remain awed by what Stephen, Kate Trefry, Justin Martin, and all the brilliant behind-the-scenes wizards were able to pull off: cinematic theatre unlike anything else out there. Their incredible work drew audiences from all over – a majority of whom had never even been to a Broadway show before.
“We’d also like to give a standing ovation to the incredibly gifted actors who stepped into these roles – including the Tony-nominated Louis McCartney – and to the fans, who made each and every performance so memorable.”
Producer Sonia Friedman added: “We are incredibly proud of the ambition, imagination and artistry that every member of the company has brought to creating something truly groundbreaking. Together, they have pushed the boundaries of live theatre to tell this story with heart, adventure and spectacle.
“Partnering with Netflix has allowed us to go beyond what was previously thought possible on stage and create a truly immersive theatrical experience that brings audiences deeper into the world of Stranger Things, while introducing hundreds of thousands of people to the thrill of live theatre.”
Book your tickets to Stranger Things: The First Shadow before it closes in December 2026.
By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.