The world premiere of *My Neighbour Totoro* triumphed at the 2023 Olivier Awards, winning six categories out of its nine nominations at the ceremony. It’s a good time for the Studio Ghibli stage adaptation, too, as *My Neighbour Totoro* will open in the West End next year, with performances at the [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) from 8 March.

Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* follows Satsuki and Mei,...

Here's why 'My Neighbour Totoro' deserved all the Oliviers

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Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* will return to London later next year, opening at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

Next year, the [Royal Shakespeare Company’s](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/royal-shakespeare-company) triumphant 2022 stage adaptation of [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro) heads to the West End's [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) for a third run due to enormous popular demand. The show won six Olivier Awards and broke the Barbican’s box office record for the most tickets...

What to expect from London shows based on Studio Ghibli films

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Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985. They are known for creating imaginative movies, including *My Neighbour Totoro* and *Spirited Away*.

A stage adaptation of television comedy *Inside No 9* will arrive in the West End next year. The show opens for a 12-week run at Wyndham's Theatre from 18 January 2025.

The TV show's original writers and performers Steve Pemberton (*The Pillowman*) and Reece Shearsmith (*A Very Expensive Poison*) will star in the West End show, titled *Stage/Fright*, which will blend original material with familiar characters from the series. 

Speaking about the announcement, Pemberton and Shearsmith said:...

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's 'Inside No 9' to be adapted for the West End 

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The TV show's original creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith will star in the West End adaptation when it opens next year. 

The hit musical comedy *Titanique* has confirmed plans for a West End run later this year. The show is currently performing at Off-Broadway venue the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The musical, which is co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022.

The parody of James Cameron's Oscar-winning *Titanic* film features a raft of Celine Dion’s iconic songs including “My Heart Will...

'Titanique' confirms planned West End run

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The musical has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022. It is currently at the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The British writer James Graham is on an incredible run at the moment. He just won the Olivier Award for Best New Play for *Dear England*, a fantastic drama about football manager Gareth Southgate, which enticed new audiences into theatre, and the musical *Tammy Faye*, for which he supplied the book, is opening on Broadway this autumn.

He’s also a prolific screenwriter, with recent hits including the crime series *Sherwood* and the dystopian drama *The Way*. Graham has that rare combination of...

Learn more about James Graham’s career ahead of 'Boys from the Blackstuff'

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From plays *Dear England* and *This House* to TV hits like *Sherwood*, Graham is unstoppable – and now his *Boys from the Blackstuff* is coming to the West End.

The bright lights of West End theatres are always appealing, but there are also a number of exciting Off-West End venues in the capital, such as the small but mighty [Bush Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/bush-theatre), which is nestled in west London.

This theatre has always punched above its weight, launching the careers of hugely successful writers such as James Graham and Lucy Kirkwood, as well as actors like Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman, Andrew Scott, and Phoebe...

A complete guide to the Bush Theatre

Bush Theatre credit Philip Vile

Get to know this exciting new-writing venue in west London, which has launched the careers of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Victoria Wood, among others.

The acclaimed screen and stage actor Ben Whishaw is back in town, starring in the premiere of Margaret Perry’s *[Bluets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39930-bluets)* at the Royal Court. The play is an adaptation of Maggie Nelson’s book and follows someone obsessed with the colour blue – taking in artists like Joni Mitchell and Billie Holiday as they navigate a devastating heartbreak.

Whishaw is joined in *Bluets* by *House of the Dragon* star Emma D’Arcy and *The Girl Before*’s Kayla...

Learn more about Ben Whishaw's career ahead of 'Bluets' at the Royal Court

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The James Bond and *Paddington* actor is co-starring in this new adaptation of Maggie Nelson's book *Bluets* with Emma D'Arcy and Kayla Meikle.

It’s another fantastic year for [Shakespeare plays](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/shakespeare) in London, and as the weather (finally!) improves, you can start getting those outdoor shows in the diary, as well as all of the brilliant productions in the West End and beyond.

If you’re after a fresh take on the Bard, you’re definitely in luck. Sir Ian McKellen is already wowing audiences, giving his Falstaff a dynamic new spin in Robert Icke's adaptation of *Henry IV*, *[Player...

See modern adaptations and outdoor productions of Shakespeare plays in London

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Player Kings. Ian McKellen (Falstaff) & Toheeb Jimoh (Prince Harry). Credit - Manuel Harlan. 029

From Ian McKellen in *Player Kings* to an incredible open-air season at Shakespeare's Globe, there's a wide variety of shows on offer in London.

You just can’t beat family when it comes to riveting drama. Perhaps that’s because no one gets under your skin quite like the people you love and who know you best – and who are bonded to you by blood, like it or not. From Greek tragedy through Shakespearean slanging matches and contemporary clans, shows with family drama at their centre have always ruled our stages.

That’s certainly true of London theatre this year, which features a range of bickering families – from plays like *[Long Day's...

Watch West End family dramas on the London stage

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Enter the homes of these loving but fraught families in West End plays such as *Long Day's Journey Into Night* and musicals like *Back to the Future*.

Get ready for what promises to be the most talked-about play of the year. Hollywood star John Lithgow will play Roald Dahl in a new drama, *[Giant](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39984-giant)*, which sees the famous author about to release his children’s book *The Witches*, but then rocked by a scandal surrounding anti-Semitic comments he made in an article.

Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play, directed by Nicholas Hytner (artistic director of the Bridge Theatre), also stars Elliot Levey...

Learn more about John Lithgow's career ahead of him playing Roald Dahl in 'Giant'

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The Tony and Emmy-winning Hollywood actor is starring in Mark Rosenblatt’s provocative new play *Giant* at the Royal Court in London this autumn.

The West End is now home to the Upside Down, as a new *Stranger Things* play will open in London. [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/29263-stranger-things-the-first-shadow) will open at the [Phoenix Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/phoenix-theatre) in late 2023, with details on casting, performance dates, and tickets to be announced at a later date.

Kate Trefry, Stranger Things writer, wrtites the play, based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Trefry. 

Press material states about the show: Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.

“We are beyond excited about *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*. Collaborating with the brilliant Stephen Daldry has been nothing short of inspiring, and Kate Trefry has written a play that is at turns surprising, scary, and heartfelt. 

We’re dying to tell you more about the story but won't - it’s more fun to discover it for yourself. Can’t wait to see you nerds in London!,” said Matt and Ross Duffer.

Casting for *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* will be revealed at a later date. [Find out more about *Stranger Things* actors in West End shows.
](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/see-the-stranger-things-cast-in-west-end-shows)

Stephen Daldry directs, with co-direction by Justin Martin, set design by Miriam Buether, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting design by Jon Clark, and sound design by Paul Arditti. 

## What is *Stranger Things*?

*Stranger Things* is a sci-fi television series that follows teenagers in Hawkins, Indiana, as they encounter other-worldly creatures. The *Stranger Things* television series has won over 70 awards worldwide, and tops the Netflix Most Popular English TV list, with over 1.35 billion hours viewed. 

*Stranger Things: The First Shadow* is at the Phoenix Theatre.

*Photo credit: Strang er Things: The First Shadow artwork (Photo courtesy of production)*

‘Stranger Things’ play to open in the West End in 2023 

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Recommended 12+. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5s not permitted.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow - LON [29263] 

Genre: Play

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

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Production shot of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London, with Louis McCartney as Henry Creel.

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Production shot of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London, with Isabella Pappas as Joyce Maldonado.

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Production shot of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London, with Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, Calum Ross as Walter Henderson and Maisie Norma Seaton as Claudia Yount.

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Production shot of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London, showing Henry Creel in front of a mirror.

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Production shot of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London, with Oscar Lloyd as James Hopper Jr, Christopher Buckley as Bob Newby and Isabella Pappas as Joyce Maldonado.

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Production shot of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London, with Oscar Lloyd as James Hopper Jr.

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Production shot of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London, with Louis McCartney as Henry Creel and Patrick Vaill as Dr Brenner.

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Poster of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in London

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See the prequel to the multi-award-winning hit TV show at the Phoenix Theatre. __Book tickets to *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* on London Theatre today.__

Hawkins in 1959 is a small town with relatively ordinary troubles: Jim Hopper's car won't start, Bob Newby's sister rejects his radio show, and Joyce Maldonado dreams of escape. But the arrival of Henry Creel is ready to disrupt all of that. In a town where secrets run deep, starting anew isn't simple.

*Stranger Things: The First Shadow* is an eagerly awaited stage production written by Kate Trefry (writer on the *Stranger Things* TV show), featuring an original story by the Duffer Brothers (creators of *Stranger Things*), Jack Thorne (*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*), and Trefry.

The production, directed by the esteemed Stephen Daldry with co-direction by Justin Martin, promises to expand the show's mythology and stagecraft, setting new standards in theatrical storytelling. 
*Stranger Things*, set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, premiered on Netflix in 2016. The series follows a group of young friends entangled in a supernatural conspiracy involving government experiments, alternate dimensions, and terrifying otherworldly creatures.

Since its debut on the streaming platform, *Stranger Things* has grown into a cultural sensation, winning numerous awards and garnering a dedicated following. Many of its young cast members, including Millie Bobbie Brown, were propelled into stardom by the show.

### What is *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*?

*Stranger Things: The First Shadow* serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed Netflix TV show *Stranger Things*. The show will mark Netflix’s first venture into the theatrical world.

Book tickets to *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* on London Theatre.


Stranger Things: The First Shadow - LON - London Theatre

What happened before the world turned upside down? In 1959, Henry Creel moves to Hawkins, Indiana, with his family. But looking for a fresh start isn't so easy. Will he be lured into the shadows of his past? Discover the prequel story to the Netflix phenomenon, *Stranger Things.* Get *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* tickets on London Theatre.

Have you ever wondered what happened before the adventures of Eleven and friends? *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* is ready to answer your questions but may leave you with many more. The prequel to the hit Netflix series will settle your cravings for the show whilst you wait for the release of the fifth season.

*Stranger Things* is one of Netflix’s most streamed TV shows ever, with season four ranking as the second most-watched series on Netflix, racking up to 1.83 billion hours of streams to date. The TV show has also garnered critical acclaim, and the American Film Institute selected it as one of the top ten programs of the year for its first two seasons.

## What to Watch For
- The *Stranger Things* universe has previously been adapted into a live theatrical experience on multiple occasions. London witnessed an immersive *Stranger Things* experience by Secret Cinema in 2019, and the Vaults in London presented *Stranger Sings!* last year, a parody show featuring puppetry, whimsical songs, and a dancing Demogorgon.
- Before Netflix picked it up, the Duffer brothers initially faced several rejections of their pitch for *Stranger Things*.
-  *Stranger Things* co-creator Ross Duffer mentioned that when they first pitched the show, it was supposed to be a limited series, and the plan was for fan-favourite Eleven to sacrifice herself in the end. This, of course, never happened. Season five has been confirmed for future release, and Eleven is still a series regular in the show.
- This isn’t writer Jack Thorne’s first run-in with something *Stranger Things*-related. He wrote the screenplay for Enola Holmes 2, which stars Eleven actress Millie Bobbie Brown.


Stranger Things Shadow Seats

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Long before the world turned upside down, Hawkins was just a regular town. Henry Creel's arrival might change all of that. A multi-award-winning creative team brings the hit Netflix show's world to life on stage in this gripping adventure. You don't want to miss this one. Trust us — friends don't lie!

Stranger Things: The First Shadow - LON - Box Office

Buy tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre in London. Find official theatre tickets to Plays with Box Office.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow Tickets | Box Office

Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, who take theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension, this gripping new adventure will take you right back to the beginning of the Stranger Things story – and may hold the key to the end.


The Phoenix Theatre opened on 24 Sept. 1930. It was built on the site of the Alcazar Music Hall, a performance space that had fallen from grace into a casino.

Noël Coward’s *Private Lives* opened the Phoenix Theatre, starring Noel Coward and Laurence Olivier. On Coward's 70th birthday, the bar in the foyer of the theatre was given the name the Noël Coward Bar in his honour.

The theatre’s greatest success arrived in November 1991 in the form of *Blood Brothers*, Willy Russell’s musical. It ran for 21 years, finally closing on 10 Nov. 2012. The Phoenix Theatre was also home to the West End premiere of *Come From Away.*

## Phoenix Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels – Stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle.

The seats in the Stalls offer very good views of the stage, with a light rake in the seating helping seats further back. 

The view from the Dress Circle is generally very good, though the rake of the seating is not as noticeable as in other theatres. 

The Grand Circle is surprisingly close to the stage, which is great for feeling involved in the show.


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‘Stranger: Things: The First Shadow’ will play at the Phoenix Theatre. The story follows Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Henry Creel in 1950s Indiana.

‘Stranger Things’ play to open in the West End in 2023

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