A talented young Donegal actor has been cast in a hit West End show in London.
Aoife Browne, from Ballybofey, was confirmed as part of the latest run of Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the famous Phoenix Theatre.
Based on Netflix’s award-winning Stranger Things, the stage adaptation started on 14 November 2023, and is about to go into its third year in London.
The new cast will join the show from the second week of November. Earlier this month, Stranger Things: The First Shadow extended its booking period in London, and is now playing until 5 April 2026.
Aoife moved to London two weeks ago to begin rehearsals.
The role marks a major breakthrough for the Ballybofey native, especially as it came from her very first audition after graduating from Dublin’s prestigious Lir Academy drama school. The Lir lists Paul Mescal among its famous past students.
A daughter of Kathleen and John Browne, her brother, Daniel, is also a talented young actor and producer. Aoife has been acting since catching the bug in her first nativity play at Scoil Mhuire NS in Stranorlar. Like her mother and brother, she is an active member of the Butt Drama Circle in Ballybofey.
She also trained with the local Aishlingí Academy of performing arts. Academy founder, Tanya Ward, paid tribute to Aoife today on her social media channels.
“Aoife is a true testament to focus, determination and hard work…and the oodles of talent helps too,” she said.
“It was my honour to watch her talent grow over her childhood and teen years and to have her in my life still. I can’t wait to see her in action and I’ve no doubt this will be the first of many trips to London to see her”.
Young Donegal actor lands professional debut in hit West End show! was last modified: September 24th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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