Phoenix Theatre, London, watched February 14, 2026

In 1959, the Creel family move to a new home in Hawkins, Indiana, but something is wrong with their son, Henry.

Written by Stranger Things writer Kate Trefry, from an original story by the showrunners the Duffer Brothers, playwright Jack Thorne and Trefry, this prequel to Netflix’s multi-season hit sci-fi/horror show is an astonishing night out at the theatre, as well as a worthy addition to the canon.

Previewed from November 2023, the show opened on Broadway in April 2025, and it’s easy to see why this original West End production picked up the Laurence Olivier Award-winning for best entertainment and set design, and the What’s on Stage Awards for Best New Play. It’s directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliott, The Crown).

But enough about the pedigree – is the story any good? Yes! This production is more than the sum of its parts, and I won’t go into any detail beyond saying that this is the Henry Creel (later to become Big Bad Vecna) origin story, and because it’s set in Hawkins, you can be sure of other significant links to the streamer show.

Now let’s talk about the effects because they are… gobsmacking. The level of stagecraft that can be witnessed in the West End is a constantly evolving marvel. When I watched Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and then Back to the Future, I felt like I’d witnessed something I’d never seen before – a new benchmark in theatrical effects. And that’s how I feel again, as the show’s magicians have blended projection, physical effects and sleight-of-hand to trick, amaze, impress and shock the auditorium.

This is not a cheap play to see, but book far enough in advance and hopefully you can get something to match your budget. Netflix are this week filming the Broadway version for future broadcast as a special, but if you can see it live, it’s a must.

Verdict: I’m pretty sure that most of the Stranger Things diehards will have already made the pilgrimage to the West End (and been rewarded by this spectacle), but if you’re wavering, take the hit. You won’t believe your eyes. 10/10

Nick Joy