## Stranger Things: The First Shadow Earns Major Awards and Trailer Reveal
The West End production of *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* has achieved critical acclaim, securing two prestigious Olivier Awards — Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Set Design. The recognition highlights its strong performances and creative stagecraft that effectively extend the universe of Netflix’s *Stranger Things* series.
### A New Chapter in Hawkins’ Story
Set years before the events of the Netflix series, the play explores the beginnings of familiar characters in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana. The plot focuses on a young Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Bob Newby, gradually revealing how sinister forces began stirring beneath the seemingly normal town.
As the tension builds, audiences witness how the darkness that will later consume Hawkins is rooted in these formative years. Blending mystery, horror, and emotional drama, the story offers a fresh yet nostalgic look at the origins of the *Stranger Things* mythos.
### Creative Team and Staging
Directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin, *The First Shadow* showcases innovative stage effects that merge cinematic visuals with live theatrical performance. The intricate set design, which won one of the show’s Olivier Awards, plays a central role in immersing the audience into the eerie atmosphere of the Upside Down.
The play is a collaborative creation from Kate Trefry, a writer from the original TV series, ensuring that the tone and emotion of the production stay faithful to its screen counterpart.
### Fan Reception and Cultural Impact
Since its debut, fans and critics have praised *The First Shadow* for its emotional depth, technical brilliance, and ability to expand the lore of *Stranger Things* in a new medium. The upcoming official trailer, revealed by Netflix’s Tudum, offers a glimpse into the play’s high-stakes drama and supernatural intrigue.
> “You think you know the story of Hawkins. Think again,” the trailer teases, promising audiences a thrilling prelude to the events that shaped the beloved series.
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**Author Summary:** The West End play *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* expands the Netflix series’ origins through award-winning design, rich storytelling, and a haunting new theatrical experience.
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Netflix — 2025-11-26