Stranger Things: The First Shadow
The Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0JP
Tue - Sat 7pm, Thu & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm
Tottenham Court Rd tube & Elizabeth Line, Leicester Square Tube, Charing Cross overground
2.5 hours
12+
from £20pp
Based on 1 review
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About Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Before the Upside Down turned everything upside down, there was Hawkins in 1959. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a jaw-dropping prequel that explores the backstory of Henry Creel (aka Vecna), along with younger versions of familiar characters like Joyce and Hopper. This is serious theatre meets cinematic spectacle – the effects are spine-tinglingly good and the storytelling is gripping. It’s not ideal for younger kids or the easily spooked, but teens and tweens who love the Netflix series will be hooked from the start.
It’s great for ages 12 and up who enjoy creepy thrills and immersive drama. It’s not aimed at little ones – there are spooky visuals and intense themes that might be too much for younger kids.
There’s no graphic gore, but it’s definitely eerie and intense. Think Stranger Things-style suspense and the odd jumpy moment – enough to keep teens glued to their seats.
Yes, the story stands on its own. It’s more rewarding if you know the series, but it works as a self-contained drama too. Parents might find it gripping even without Netflix credentials!
Roughly 2 hours 30 minutes with an interval. Long enough to feel like a proper night out, but still manageable for most teens.
At the Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road – right near Soho, Chinatown, and the West End buzz. Plenty to see and do nearby.
Grab ramen or pizza nearby, browse Forbidden Planet, or stroll down to Trafalgar Square. Lots of options for pre/post-theatre fun.
No, the plot moves quickly and is full of suspense. Older kids who enjoy sci-fi or supernatural drama will find it easy to follow and totally gripping.
Teens and older tweens (12–17) are the target. It’s cool, moody, and exciting – perfect for a slightly older crowd.
Yes – the Phoenix is a well-equipped theatre with standard West End snacks, loos and seating. Arrive early to avoid the interval queues.
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My sons and I were fortunate to experience “Stranger Things : The First Shadow last night. We arrived with absolutely no idea how the production would grab the audience and transport them to the mysterious ‘Hawkins’. The cast were brilliant. The staging was so clever. The special effects on stage were as mind-bending and often as Stranger Things fans would hope to find. We have been to many productions as a family and this was by far the most incredibly executed show. We were immersed from the moment we began to watch. The mixed media was so cleverly used to transport us into the realm of the production and absolutely transfixed us the entire time. The characters were familiar to the fans and added the back story to the wonderful world of Stranger Things. 10/10 from the three of us. Note: The production I feel would be better for older teenagers and younger adults as there are some quite graphic scenes and wouldn’t be suitable for younger theatregoers. (Unless they’re blood-thirsty by nature). Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would go again in a heartbeat). The person that served us at the bar said she had seen it so many times to try and figure out “how” they did the special effects. A brilliant evening. Without doubt the best day out with my older sons.