The Olivier Award-winning production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow has announced a brand-new lead cast as it celebrates its second anniversary at London’s Phoenix Theatre.
The critically acclaimed play will now extend its run until 5 April 2026, with the new company beginning performances on 12 November 2025.
Joining the cast is Jack Christou as Henry Creel. His theatre credits include Matilda the Musical (RSC The Other Place). His television credits include Chloe, Pandemonium and Penny on M.A.R.S; and for film, Last Train to Christmas.
Stewart Clarke will play Dr Brenner. His extensive theatre credits include Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), Mandela (Young Vic), Cabaret (Kit Kat Club), Be More Chill, Fiddler on the Roof, The Rink, Assassins, A Streetcar Named Desire, Cool Rider Live, Godspell in Concert, The Return of The Soldier and Ghost The Musical. His screen credits include Moonstone and Easy Virtue.
Avril Maponga takes on the role of Patty Newby. A recent graduate of Rose Bruford College, her theatre credits include Witness for the Prosecution (London County Hall), and her film credits include Sightline.
Max Potter will play Bob Newby. His stage credits include A Monster Calls (Barn Theatre), I Love to Fly (Little Angel Theatre), The Lodger (Lion and Unicorn Theatre) and Scissors (Greenwich Theatre).
Adam Wadsworth joins as James Hopper Jr. His theatre credits include The Merry Wives of Windsor, All’s Well That Ends Well, Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Patterns (Curve, Leicester). His television credits include Lewis, Marple and My Phone Genie.
Edie Wright plays Joyce Maldonado. A recent graduate of Guildford School of Acting, she made her professional stage debut in Stranger Things: The First Shadow as Karen Childress in the 2024/25 cast.
To mark the anniversary, tickets priced at £19.59 are available for 72 hours only, covering weekday performances from 18 November to 12 December 2025.
The production also announced a partnership with Go Live Theatre, a charity dedicated to providing inspiring theatre experiences for disadvantaged youth. An Education Matinee will be held on Friday 21 November, offering tickets to students from state schools for just £10.
Earlier this year, Netflix released Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the production. It is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
Written by Kate Trefry, with an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Kate Trefry, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is directed by Stephen Daldry with co-direction by Justin Martin.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
