Stranger Things: The First Shadow to End Its West End and Broadway Runs

The stage prequel will give its last performance at London’s Phoenix Theatre on 27 December 2026 and at New York’s Marquis Theatre on 3 January 2027. The West End production opened 14 December 2023 and will have run for just over three years; the Broadway run began previews 28 March 2025 and will conclude after roughly 20 months. Across both venues the show logged more than 1 500 performances.

Hollywood Reporter

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is set in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, and dramatizes the origin of Henry Creel (later Vecna). The play premiered in the West End in late 2023 and arrived on Broadway in April 2025. It is produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions, with 21 Laps Entertainment as associate producer. Stephen Daldry directed, Justin Martin co-directed, and Kate Trefry wrote the script from a story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry.

‘Stranger Things’ Broadway Show Set to Close

Key figures include creators Matt and Ross Duffer (creative producers), director Stephen Daldry, co-director Justin Martin, writer Kate Trefry, Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria, co-producer Sonia Friedman, and story contributor Jack Thorne.

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Nearly 1.6 million tickets have been sold across the two productions, with weekly operating costs on Broadway reported at roughly $1 million (total Broadway capitalization estimated above $20 million). The most recent week’s gross was $859,339, representing 74 % seat occupancy; the highest weekly gross reached $2.5 million during the release of Season 5. The show earned four Tony Awards (Best Scenic, Lighting, Sound Design and a Special Tony for Illusions/Technical Effects) and two Olivier Awards (Best Entertainment and Best Set Design), plus Critics’ Circle, WhatsOnStage and other honors.

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The production marks Netflix’s first major theatrical venture, intended to extend the series’ fanbase into live performance and to demonstrate the feasibility of high-budget, effects-driven stage shows. Netflix has positioned the play alongside its immersive experiences for “Bridgerton” and “Squid Game,” suggesting a strategic push toward cross-media storytelling.

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Matt and Ross Duffer praised the collaboration, noting the team’s ability to “pull off cinematic theater unlike anything else out there.” Bela Bajaria described the show as “an unprecedented collaboration between television and theatre” and highlighted its role in introducing new audiences to live theatre. Sonia Friedman emphasized the production’s “ambition, imagination and artistry.” Kate Trefry called writing the play “the thrill of a lifetime.” Netflix has not disclosed whether the production recouped its costs, and it has not confirmed plans for releasing the filmed Broadway performance.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow to close in the West End and on Broadway after final extension

Sources differ on the financial outcome: some state the Broadway run “has not announced that it has recouped,” while others note the high weekly operating cost without confirming profitability. Reports in February 2026 indicated the Broadway show was filmed for future release, yet Netflix issued no official comment on distribution.

Hollywood Reporter

• “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.” — Matt Duffer, Creative Producer

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• “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.” — Ross Duffer, Creative Producer

‘Stranger Things’ Broadway Show Set to Close

• “’Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ represents an unprecedented collaboration between television and theatre, showing what’s possible when a world class creative team brings a beloved and iconic series to life on stage,” — Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer, Netflix

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• “ 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.” — Sonia Friedman, Co-Producer

The Guardian

• “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,” — Kate Trefry, Writer

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*All information is drawn from the cited source material.*

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