The new “Stranger Things” stage play by the Duffer Brothers, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” reveals Henry Creel’s shadowy origins. Later this year, the 1959 Hawkins-set prequel will make its West End debut in London and go in-depth into Vecna’s terrifying backstory. The theatrical play will take us straight back to the beginning of Hawkins’ deepest and most horrifying secrets, like Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will watching their D&D fears come true.
Written by Kate Trefry, staff writer and story editor for the TV series, the play will be “rooted in the mythology and world of the Netflix global phenomenon.” The stage show will be produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions. It will also feature the Duffer Brothers as creative producers and 21 Laps as associate producer. Stephen Daldry will direct with codirection by Justin Martin.
“We are beyond excited about ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow,’” the Duffer Brothers said in a press release. “Collaborating with the brilliant Stephen Daldry has been nothing short of inspiring, and Kate Trefry has written a play that is at turns surprising, scary, and heartfelt. You will meet endearing new characters, as well as very familiar ones, on a journey into the past that sets the groundwork for the future of ‘Stranger Things.’ We’re dying to tell you more about the story but won’t — it’s more fun to discover it for yourself. Can’t wait to see you nerds in London!”
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” Plot
The “Stranger Things” play will cover many of fans’ biggest unanswered questions about Vecna. “Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries,” the play’s logline reads. “Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy . . . and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.”
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” Cast
Netflix’s “Stranger Things” features a star-studded cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Gaten Matarazzo, Priah Ferguson, Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, Joseph Quinn, Charlie Heaton, Jamie Campbell Bower, and more. While most of the show’s prominent characters won’t be included in the prequel — because they haven’t been born yet — the play will see the return of beloved players including Hopper, Joyce, and Bob (Sean Astin).
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” includes set design by Miriam Buether; costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel; lighting design by Jon Clark; sound design by Paul Arditti; illusions design by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher; video design by 59 Productions; movement direction by Coral Messam; wigs, hair, and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates; casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG; international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan; and Gary Beestone as technical director.
Further casting details, ticket information, and the full performance schedule for the stage production will be announced at a later date.
