The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Average K-Rating based
on 2 K-Rating reviews
What is Stranger Things: The First Shadow about? Set in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, this gripping prequel unveils the early lives of characters like young Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Bob Newby. As they encounter sinister events, the shadows of what’s to come in the beloved Netflix series begin to take form. Packed with mind-blowing effects and twists, it’s a must-see for fans of the show!
Is it suitable for kids? Recommended for ages 12+ due to supernatural themes, eerie moments, and suspenseful storytelling.
Will teenagers enjoy it? Absolutely! Teens who love Stranger Things will be hooked by the suspense, special effects, and deeper exploration of Hawkins’ eerie past.
Where is it? Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0JP
Running time: Approx. 2 hours 30 mins (including interval)
How much do tickets cost? Prices start at £20, with premium seats available at £100+.
Why will Older Kids and Teenagers Love It?
The play’s masterful combination of nostalgia, suspense, and character-driven storytelling ensures it’s a hit for both kids and older teens. It’s a thrilling adventure that expands the Stranger Things universe in exciting new ways.
This play is amazing! It feels like being inside an episode of Stranger Things but even more intense. I loved all the Easter eggs and references to the show and even though some of its a bit confusing, it didn’t matter because the experience is so good. There’s loads of effects and you’ll jump a few times. If you love Stranger Things, you have to see this play and even if you’re not a fan I’d still recommend you go – totally worth it! 10/10
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.