Play · West End
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
A stage prequel to the Netflix series, set in Hawkins, Indiana in 1959. Henry Creel moves to the town with his family for a fresh start, and the play traces how he becomes the villain later known as Vecna. Younger versions of familiar characters, including Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado, also appear.
Kate Trefry wrote the play from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry. Stephen Daldry directs, with Justin Martin as co-director. Running time is 3 hours including one interval, and it is recommended for ages 12+. The London run ends with its final performance on 23 December 2026.
Buying advice
How to book
The hype has finally calmed down, so there are good offers on Stranger Things again, but expect prices to rise sharply as it approaches its final performance after Christmas: book sooner rather than later. An off-peak date saves roughly 23%, with mid-range seats at £90–£110 against £110–£135 at peak, and booking well ahead earns an early-bird rate from £50.
Ways to pay less
The best way in is to book ahead through an agency like SeatPlan for up to 30% off, getting a £70 seat that would usually be £100. This show sells strongly, so the cheapest seats for any date go first; book early rather than hoping for a late deal. Pick an off-peak date if you can, as mid-range seats top out at £110 against £135 on peak dates, about 23% more. If you are happy to gamble, £25 rush tickets are available on the day, though a seat is not guaranteed. Groups of 10 or more get the biggest reduction from £49.50 a head, and family tickets start at £30.
Deals8
Best deals across LondonEvery current deal we track for Stranger Things: The First Shadow, checked daily. Last checked 23 October.
Up to 29% off the Fri 23 Oct evening performance through TKTS, in the Dress Circle and Stalls.
£25 Rush tickets available at 10:00 am every day from TodayTix app, 1 or 2 per person for that day's performances. To give yourself the best chance, save your card details in the app beforehand, open the show's Rush page just before 10am and tap the button the moment it appears. If you miss out, keep trying for 10 to 15 minutes, as tickets not paid for within 5 minutes are released again.
- Early Bird
Book in advance to secure the best range of seats and prices, including for weekend performances. No specific savings or timeframe are currently advertised. Book at least 9 weeks in advance to save on tickets, including for peak shows. It's unclear what the actual saving is, but comparing to earlier shows it seems like you are only saving on budget seating. Ensure to click on the 'Book Here' button under 'BOOK IN ADVANCE' from the link.
- Family
Save on Family Tickets for groups of 4+ — Family Rate available for groups of 4 or more. Save up to £61 on tickets. Examples: 4 x £30 tickets for £99 (save £21), 4 x £65 tickets for £199 (save £61), 4 x £80 tickets for £299 (save £21).
- Group
Groups of 10+ can get Band A & B tickets for £55 Tue-Thu eves and £49.50 for Fri matinees. Exclusions apply
School groups of 10+ pay £29.50 for Grand Circle seats, with one free teacher per 10 paid, on Tuesday to Thursday evenings and Friday matinees. Rates subject to change and availability.
- Agency discount
Discounted tickets available on London Theatre Direct. Click the link below to see details of the saving.
- Agency discount
Save up to 30% on tickets from SeatPlan: £70 seats, usually £100. Click the link below to see details of the saving.
Pricing
+23% peak surcharge (mid-range seats)Peak
Weekends & holidays| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £275 | £190 |
| Mid-range | £135 | £110 |
| Budget | £90 | £35 |
Off-peak
Mid-week| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £190 | £145 |
| Mid-range | £110 | £90 |
| Budget | £70 | £25 |
Prices are taken from the show's official website and are a guide only — they change without notice.
Where to sit
The stage is very high for this show, so think twice about the cheaper front-row seats. The two seats at the extreme left and right ends are the cheapest in the house but heavily restricted. The Dress Circle is often the best level, though the overhang affects Row H and behind; in the Stalls, the overhang starts around Row K or L. The Grand Circle is the affordable option, with a steep rake and a safety rail in Row A. Premium seats reach £275 on peak dates.
The Phoenix Theatre's own seating guide, level by level, is below.
Critics
What the critics said
Reviews from the 2023 opening at Phoenix Theatre
4 reviews, 3 with star ratings
Evening Standard
Nick Curtis · Read the review at Evening StandardWhatsOnStage
Alex Wood · Read the review at WhatsOnStage“West End sci-fi prequel dials the visual spectacle up to 11”
London Theatre
Marianka Swain · Read the review at London Theatre“the awe-inspiring sci-fi spectacular is out of this world”
Also reviewed by The Reviews Hub
Quotes are brief extracts, each with a link to the full review. Star ratings are the outlets’ own; we never work one out from a review’s words. If you publish one of these reviews and would like it removed, email us and we will take it down promptly.
Thinking of going with a group?
There’s a group rate for this show (see the group deal). Register your interest and we’ll try to organise a trip at that rate once enough people are in.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Phoenix Theatre, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- The Soho Hotelabout 5 min walk
- Zedwell Tottenham Court Roadabout 5 min walk
- Otherwander Sohoabout 5 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
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