STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW announces new lead cast and extension until April 2026
Photo credit: Jeff Spicer
Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions have announced a new lead cast who will join the critically acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning, world première production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in the West End from 12 November.
As the show approaches its second anniversary in the West End, it will also extend into its third year at the Phoenix Theatre, now running until 5 April 2026.
Jack Christou (Matilda The Musical, RSC) will take over the role of Henry Creel, with Stewart Clarke (Les Miserables, West End) as Dr Brenner, Avril Maponga (Witness for the Prosecution, London County Hall) as Patty Newby, Max Potter (A Monster Calls, Barn Theatre) as Bob Newby, Adam Wadsworth (The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare’s Globe) as James Hopper Jr., and Edie Wright (professional stage debut) as Joyce Maldonado.
The multi award-winning hit production is now running on both sides of the Atlantic, having opened on Broadway earlier this year. Its numerous accolades in London include the 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. On Broadway the play became the most nominated of the 2025 season, winning 4 Tony Awards including a special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical Effects. The Broadway production is currently booking tickets through March 2026 at The Marquis Theater.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is written by Kate Trefry, with direction by Stephen Daldry, with co-direction by Justin Martin, set design by Miriam Buether, costumes by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting by Jon Clark, sound by Paul Arditti, original music composition, orchestration, arrangements and supervision by D.J. Walde, illusions design and visual effects by Jamie Harrison & Chris Fisher, video design and visual effects by 59 Studio, choreography by Coral Messam, movement direction by Lynne Page, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, dialect by William Conacher, casting by Jessica Ronane Casting CDG, and international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan.
To book tickets for the West End production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, please click here.
