STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW announces final extension on Broadway and in West End

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

The critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning Stranger Things: The First Shadow will extend for a final time, completing its run at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End on 27 December 2026 and at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway on 3 January 2027.

The production will have run for over three years in London and after opening to five-star reviews in 2023, it went on to receive Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Set Design, the Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Set Design and Most Promising Newcomer, and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play.

Since its debut at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre, Stranger Things: The First Shadow has been smashing box office records. The global phenomenon was the most Tony Award-winning play of 2025, taking home 4 awards, including Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, Best Sound Design of a Play, and a Special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical Effects.

This first-of-its-kind collaboration between theatre and television marked Netflix’s first foray into theatre, with the epic story and groundbreaking feats of technical design attracting many new theatre audiences.

Creative producers and creators of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, said: “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 theater 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.”

Co-producer Sonia Friedman said: “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.”

Writer Kate Trefry added: “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. Being given the opportunity to dive deeper into this world through the medium of live theater has been the thrill of a lifetime, and I am still in awe of what our incredible cast and crew was able to achieve. It has been a magical, terrifying ride, and to share the communal experience of every laugh, tear, and scare with your audience is every writer’s dream. Thank you to everyone who made this dream come true.”

Directors Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin added: “To be entrusted with bringing The Duffer Brothers’ incredible creation to the stage has been an utter joy. We are immensely proud of the talent and dedication of the cast and creative team over the past three years - each and every member an integral part of the process of bringing this story to life. Finally, a massive thank you to the fans, many of whom have never stepped inside a theatre before, for welcoming us and joining us every performance in the West End and on Broadway!”

To book tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London, please click here.