After selling more than 1.6 million tickets across 1,500 performances in both London and New York City, the award-winning play Stranger Things: The First Shadow has been extended for one final stretch of shows.

The critically acclaimed production will complete its run at the Phoenix Theater in London’s West End on Dec. 27, and at the Marquis Theater on Broadway in New York City on Jan. 3, 2027. 

The play is based on an original story by Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers, Adolescence creator Jack Thorne, and Stranger Things writer Kate Trefry. Trefry penned the script, while Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Crown) directed alongside Justin Martin (Billy Elliot, Kyoto). Sonia Friedman Productions (Merrily We Roll Along, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Paddington the Musical)) co-produced the stage show. 

“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,” say the Duffer Brothers, who also serve as creative producers for the play.

Matt and Ross Duffer aren’t kidding. The First Shadow, which first debuted in London’s West End in late 2023, has received numerous accolades during its three-year run, including Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Set Design, Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for Best Set Design and Most Promising Newcomer, and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play. 

Plus, the Broadway production won four Tony 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. Learn all about the current Broadway cast here. 

The Duffer Brothers 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.”

Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, says it has been “a privilege to share this production with audiences over the past few years,” while The First Shadow co-producer Friedman salutes “the ambition, imagination, and artistry that every member of the company has brought to creating something truly groundbreaking.”

The First Shadow takes place in Hawkins, Indiana, in 1959 and digs into the troubled past of Henry Creel, whose ominous presence is felt throughout all five seasons of Stranger Things. Although Trefry “always knew there was more to the story of Henry Creel,” she “never imagined we would have the chance to tell it all.”

“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,” Trefry says. “Thank you to everyone who made this dream come true.” 

Shawn Levy, who serves as associate producer through 21 Laps, agrees. The theatrical experience “has been incredibly gratifying,” he says, noting that The First Shadow “has allowed us to expand and deepen the storytelling, characters, and audience experience of our Stranger Things franchise.”

Get your tickets for The First Shadow in London and in New York City before the final curtain call.