REVIEW - STRANGER THINGS THE FIRST SHADOW | PHOENIX THEATRE, LONDON - WEST END | 23/06/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Stranger Things: The First Shadow – A Spectacular Prequel That Pushes the Boundaries of Live Theatre
Ever since Stranger Things: The First Shadow opened in London's West End, it's been one of the productions I've been most excited to see. With multiple Olivier Awards, glowing reviews and a reputation for redefining what can be achieved on stage, expectations couldn't have been much higher.
Serving as an official prequel to Netflix's hugely successful Stranger Things, the production transports audiences back to Hawkins, Indiana, in 1959. Here we discover the origins of Henry Creel while meeting younger versions of familiar characters including Joyce Maldonado, James Hopper Jr. and Bob Newby, years before the events of the television series.
Whether you're already a fan of Stranger Things or simply looking to experience one of the West End's biggest theatrical events, this is a production that promises spectacle on an extraordinary scale.
At the heart of the story is Henry Creel, a troubled teenager struggling to find his place after moving to Hawkins with his family. As Henry attempts to settle into his new life, strange and increasingly disturbing events begin unfolding around him, drawing him towards a darkness he neither understands nor can control.
Alongside Henry's journey, audiences are given the chance to spend time with younger versions of several characters who would later become central to the Stranger Things story. I particularly enjoyed learning more about Joyce, Hopper and Bob, and seeing their friendships develop years before the television series. Rather than simply relying on nostalgia, these moments help expand the world of Hawkins and add another layer to characters fans already know so well.
The production certainly isn't lacking in ambition, but for me the storytelling never quite matched the extraordinary stagecraft unfolding around it.
Running at close to three hours, there were times where the pacing began to slow and the story felt more drawn out than it needed to be. Some scenes linger a little longer than necessary, while others move so quickly that they don't always have the emotional impact they deserve. I also found myself questioning how a handful of moments fitted into the established television series, although those experiencing the play purely as a standalone production may not find that distracting.
Despite those reservations, I remained invested throughout and genuinely wanted to see how everything would connect to the wider Stranger Things universe.
If the story occasionally struggles to keep pace with its own ambition, the production itself is nothing short of extraordinary.
Before you've even had chance to settle into your seat, the opening sequence aboard the military ship immediately announces what sort of evening you're about to experience. It's a breathtaking introduction that drew audible gasps from the audience around me and instantly demonstrates the astonishing scale of the production.
From that point onwards, Stranger Things: The First Shadow rarely stops surprising.
The constantly transforming set moves effortlessly between Hawkins High School, laboratories, family homes and supernatural worlds with seamless precision. Combined with spectacular projections, illusions and visual effects, there were countless moments where I simply found myself wondering, "How did they do that?"
I've seen a lot of theatre over the years, but some of the illusions here genuinely rank amongst the most impressive I've ever witnessed. Every time I thought the production had delivered its biggest surprise, another astonishing visual moment followed, continually pushing the boundaries of what live theatre can achieve.
The lighting design deserves special praise, frequently extending beyond the stage and into the auditorium, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws the audience deeper into Hawkins. Combined with Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein's instantly recognisable score, the production perfectly captures the unsettling tension that fans of the television series will immediately recognise.
The costumes complete the experience beautifully, transporting audiences back to 1950s America while ensuring every character feels authentic to both the period and the Stranger Things universe.
Quite simply, this is one of the most technically impressive productions I've ever seen.
Despite the extraordinary scale of the production, the performances never become overshadowed by the technical wizardry surrounding them.
Paddy Bever delivers a compelling performance as Henry Creel, perfectly capturing both the vulnerability of a teenager desperate to fit in and the growing darkness threatening to consume him. It's a nuanced performance that provides the emotional centre of the production, even as the spectacle unfolds around him.
Avril Maponga is equally impressive as Patty Newby, bringing warmth, kindness and sincerity to the role. Her friendship with Henry provides some of the production's most heartfelt moments and gives the audience someone to root for as the story becomes increasingly unsettling.
Stewart Clarke is quietly chilling as Dr. Brenner, portraying the character with an unsettling calmness that fans of the television series will instantly recognise.
It was also a real pleasure to see younger versions of Joyce, Hopper and Bob brought to life by Edie Wright, Alex Dargie and Max Potter. Each performer captures enough of the characters audiences already know while still making the roles feel fresh and believable.
Special mention should also go to Alex Dargie, who was making his debut as James Hopper Jr. during the performance we attended. His assured and confident performance gave no indication this was his first time taking on the role.
The entire cast deserve enormous credit. This is an incredibly demanding production requiring split-second timing, complete trust in the complex technical elements and the ability to perform alongside some of the most ambitious stage effects currently seen in the West End. Every member of the company rises to that challenge superbly.
There's no denying that Stranger Things: The First Shadow is one of the most technically ambitious productions currently playing in London's West End.
The visual effects are astonishing, the staging continually pushes the boundaries of live theatre and the cast ensure there's still plenty of heart beneath all the spectacle. The opening sequence alone is worth experiencing, while throughout the evening there are countless moments that leave you questioning how live theatre can possibly achieve what you've just witnessed.
For me, the script wasn't always quite as strong as the remarkable production surrounding it. At close to three hours, I felt the pacing occasionally lost momentum and the story could have benefited from a little tighter editing. Even so, learning more about the origins of Henry Creel alongside younger versions of Joyce, Hopper and Bob, combined with some of the finest stagecraft I've ever witnessed, made this an unforgettable theatrical experience.
I should also mention that we visited during one of the hottest days of the year after travelling to London earlier that morning. The auditorium was uncomfortably warm throughout the performance and, while I do wonder whether those circumstances affected how easily I connected with every part of the story, they certainly didn't lessen my appreciation for the incredible talent on stage or the astonishing technical achievement unfolding before me.
As the cast returned for the curtain call, they were met with a thoroughly deserved standing ovation and enthusiastic applause from the audience. Whatever my reservations about the pacing, there was no questioning the extraordinary talent, commitment and technical precision required to bring a production of this scale to life.
If you're looking for a production that demonstrates just how extraordinary modern theatre can be, Stranger Things: The First Shadow deserves to be seen.
Where theatre makes the impossible possible
If you'd like more information about the show or to book tickets, simply click the button below to visit the official website. Stranger Things: The First Shadow has now been extended for a final time and is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until its final West End performance on 27 December 2026.
Photo Credit - Manueln Harlan
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