London's Stranger Things: The First Shadow is getting a new cast in November, just as the stage prequel to the Netflix series will celebrate its first anniversary onstage at the Phoenix Theatre. The production began previews November 17, 2023, and opened December 14.
The new cast—including Louis Healy as Henry Creel, Callum Maxwell as Bob Newby, Miranda Mufema as Patty Newby, Luke Mullins as Dr. Brenner, Jessica Rhodes as Joyce Maldonado, and George Smale as James Hopper, Jr.—will join the production November 14, with additional casting to be announced in the coming weeks.
The show has already announced a Broadway bow to begin in March 2025, which begs the question if some of or all of the original cast will cross the pond given the timing of their departure. That original London cast notably includes Broadway vets Patrick Vaill (Oklahoma!) and Lauren Ward (Matilda The Musical) as Dr. Brenner and Virginia Creel, respectively. No casting for the Broadway transfer has yet been announced.
"As we enter our second year, we are thrilled to have assembled an incredible cast with new and familiar faces to take us back to Hawkins 1959," say co-directors Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin in a joint statement. "We look forward to getting into the rehearsal room with them and exploring the characters anew."
The play, written by Kate Trefry, explores when Henry Creel first moves into Hawkings, Indiana, in 1959, following how he becomes the eventual ruler of the Upside Down. The play also features high school versions of Stranger Things characters Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado. The work premiered in and has been performing at London's Phoenix Theatre since 2023, but official sources are protecting spoilers by keeping mum on further plot descriptions.
The production features set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Arditti, illusion design by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, video design and visual effects by 59 Productions, original music and arrangements by D.J. Walde, choreography by Coral Messam, movement direction by Lynne Page, wigs, hair, and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, and technical direction by Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates. Casting is by Jessica Ronane Casting with additional casting by Charlotte Sutton and international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan.
Netflix is co-producing with Sonia Friedman Productions (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), with the Duffer Brothers serving as creative producers. 21 Laps is associate producer.
Visit StrangerThingsOnStage.com.
