It's the end of an era for fans of the Upside Down—at least on stage. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the critically acclaimed theatrical prequel to Netflix's hit sci-fi series, has officially announced its final closing dates. The production will take its last bow at London's Phoenix Theatre on December 27, 2026, and at Broadway's Marquis Theatre on January 3, 2027.
Since premiering in London's West End in 2023, the play has been a sensation, drawing nearly 1.6 million ticket holders across more than 1,500 performances. It marked Netflix's first foray into live theater, proving that a streaming franchise could translate into a compelling stage experience without feeling like a mere bonus episode.
A Deep Dive into Vecna's Origins
The play explores the backstory of Henry Creel, the young boy who would eventually become the terrifying Vecna, the villain who tormented the Hawkins kids in Seasons 4 and 5 of the series. Written by Kate Trefry from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Trefry, The First Shadow delves into the dark origins of one of the show's most iconic antagonists.
“While writing Stranger Things, we always knew there was more to the story of Henry Creel, but never imagined we would have the chance to tell it all,” Trefry said. “Being given the opportunity to dive deeper into this world through the medium of live theater has been the thrill of a lifetime.”
Award-Winning Spectacle
The production has been showered with accolades. In London, it won Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Set Design, along with Critics' Circle Awards and a WhatsOnStage Award. On Broadway, it became the most Tony Award-winning play of 2025, taking home four Tonys, including Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Sound Design, and a Special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical Effects.
Directed by Stephen Daldry with co-director Justin Martin, the creative team includes set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Paul Arditti, composer D.J. Walde, and illusion designers Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher.
Creators Reflect on the Journey
Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer expressed their awe at the play's success. “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,” they said in a joint statement. “Their incredible work drew audiences from all over—a majority of whom had never even been to a Broadway show before.”
The Duffers also praised the cast, including Tony-nominated Louis McCartney, and the fans who made each performance memorable. For those who missed the stage show, the Stranger Things universe continues to expand on Netflix, with the divisive final season still sparking conversation. If you're looking for more sci-fi thrills, check out our analysis of From Season 4 Episode 7: Henry's Victor Twist Echoes Lost's Most Divisive Sci-Fi Gambit.
As the curtain prepares to fall on The First Shadow, fans have just over a year to catch the show in either London or New York. It's a fitting farewell to a production that brought the eerie magic of Hawkins to life on stage, proving that even after the series finale, the story of Stranger Things still has the power to captivate.
