The theatre landscape in London enters a bold new era this winter as The Hunger Games makes its global stage debut in the capital. Adapted from Suzanne Collins’s iconic novel and the blockbuster film franchise, this first-ever theatrical production transforms a dystopian cultural phenomenon into an immersive live experience — and does so inside a brand-new purpose-built venue in Canary Wharf.
Directed by Matthew Dunster and adapted by Olivier Award-winning playwright Conor McPherson, The Hunger Games: On Stage is not simply a retelling of a familiar story. It is a reimagining of survival, spectacle, and resistance, built for the scale and intensity of live performance. As a first timer to The Hunger Games, I knew nothing about the show, story or concept. Happy to say I was still able to follow the show and understand the intricacies of what was going on.
A Story of Survival, Rebellion, and the Human Spirit
Set in the dystopian nation of Panem, the story follows Katniss Everdeen, a young woman forced into a brutal televised contest where 24 tributes fight to the death for the Capitol’s entertainment. What begins as a fight for survival slowly becomes a symbol of defiance against an oppressive regime.
On stage, the narrative retains its emotional core: fear, courage, sacrifice, and moral resistance. Katniss’s journey — from reluctant tribute to reluctant symbol — anchors the production, grounding its spectacle in human vulnerability. Themes of power, surveillance, and rebellion feel particularly resonant when experienced collectively in a live theatre space.
A Theatre Designed for Total Immersion
The production is staged at the newly opened Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, a purpose-built, 1,200-seat venue designed specifically for large-scale immersive productions. Located in the heart of Canary Wharf, the theatre places the audience at the centre of the action, surrounding them on all sides and blurring the boundary between observer and participant. Canary Wharf is a bit of a unique location compared to the West End and there are lots of places to enjoy pre and post theatre fun, including a restaurant inside the theatre.
This theatre-in-the-round configuration makes the arena feel inescapable — an intentional design choice that mirrors the narrative itself. Action unfolds in every direction, reinforcing the sense that the Games are omnipresent, relentless, and impossible to escape.
Staging, Sound, and Spectacle
The staging is ambitious by necessity. Illusions, performer flying, video design, and choreographed movement are woven seamlessly into the storytelling, allowing the arena to take shape without overwhelming the performers at its centre. Rather than attempting to replicate cinema or have a show that is sung throughout, the production leans fully into theatrical innovation and a sense of anticipation.
Sound design heightens tension throughout, while lighting shifts sharply between intimacy and spectacle — from moments of private fear to the cold glare of a world watching. Together, these elements create a heightened sensory environment that reinforces both the brutality and the theatricality of the Games.
A Cast at the Centre of the Arena
Leading the production is Mia Carragher as Katniss Everdeen, delivering a performance that carries both emotional weight and physical intensity. She is joined by Euan Garrett as Peeta Mellark, Joshua Lacey as Haymitch Abernathy, Tristan Waterson as Gale Hawthorne, and Tamsin Carroll as Effie Trinket.
In a striking theatrical choice, John Malkovich appears on screen as President Snow at every performance, merging live theatre with cinematic presence and reinforcing the omnipotence of the Capitol. The extensive ensemble cast reflects the scale and physical demands of the production, with movement, combat, and choreography central to its impact. The cast is super talented throughout and this is a real ensemble piece. The show involves acrobatics, climbing, combat and a lot more.
A New Cultural Landmark for Canary Wharf
Beyond the production itself, The Hunger Games: On Stage marks a significant moment for Canary Wharf as a cultural destination. Long associated with finance and architecture, the area now houses a major theatrical venue capable of hosting world-class productions.
The arrival of this show positions Canary Wharf as an emerging hub for ambitious live entertainment — one that sits outside the traditional West End while offering experiences of equal scale and innovation.
A Dystopian Epic Reimagined for the Stage
The Hunger Games: On Stage is not a spectacle for spectacle’s sake. It is a carefully constructed theatrical event that balances scale with storytelling, technology with performance, and familiarity with reinvention.
In translating a global cultural phenomenon into live theatre, the production embraces the strengths of the medium: immediacy, collective tension, and emotional presence. What emerges is a bold, immersive experience that places audiences not just in the world of Panem — but inside the arena itself.
For more information, visit The Hunger Games
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All images courtesy of the official production of The Hunger Games / Johan Persson.