The ShowBefore the Upside Down, there was the First Shadow. In 1959, the Creel family arrives in Hawkins, hoping for a fresh start. But for Henry Creel, school is a struggle not just because of the usual challenges, but because of his strange abilities and the ominous presence that haunts him. When he meets Patty, she offers a glimmer of hope, convincing him that he might be able to fight the darkness. Meanwhile, a young Jim Hopper joins forces with Joyce Maldonado to uncover the unsettling mysteries unfolding in Hawkins. Will they uncover the truth, or will the shadows consume them? As Henry's past catches up to him, he comes face-to-face with the true dangers lurking in the world.
History of Stranger Things - The First ShadowStranger Things: The First Shadow is a stage play that serves as a prequel to the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. The play was written by Kate Trefry from a story developed with the Duffer Brothers and Jack Thorne, and it premiered in London's West End at the Phoenix Theatre in December 2023. Directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, the production blends cutting-edge stagecraft with supernatural storytelling, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards. In April 2025, it transferred to Broadway, continuing its eerie journey into the origins of the Upside Down.
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Awards and What the Critics Say2025 Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play.
2025 Special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical effects.
2024 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play.
"Breathtaking theatre" - The Guardian
"A rollercoaster experience" - WhatsOnStage
"Spectacular" - Evening Standard
Interesting Facts About Stranger Things - The First Shadow-The stage show is officially canon, providing a look into the series of events prior to the TV show.
-Surverys shows that around 60% of the audience that attended had never been to the theatre before.
-The stage show was written alongside season 5 of the TV show, meaning there may be some subtle hints snuck in.
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