The Hunger Games On Stage - Review

Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, London

*****

Based on the book by Suzanne Collins & the Lionsgate feature film

Adapted by Conor McPherson

Directed by Matthew Dunster

The company of The Hunger Games On Stage

Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games leaps from page and screen to the London stage with breathtaking force. Staged within the striking setting of the Canary Wharf Troubadour Theatre, this production is nothing short of a triumph — a thrilling fusion of innovation, emotion, and stagecraft that redefines immersive theatre.

From the moment the lights dim the fictional world of Panem is enveloping. The arena-like stage, complete with moving rows of seats, pyrotechnics, fog and precision-timed lighting transforms the space into a living battleground. The inventive use of practical effects — arrows, knives, fire, and illusion — conjures pure theatrical magic, every scene delivering energy and purpose.

The emotional core of the story lands with equal power. Mia Carragher plays Katniss whose self-sacrifice for her sister remains deeply moving, as the cast deliver performances of intensity and heart. Stavros Demetraki as Caesar Flickerman gives an uncanny and crowd-pleasing echo of Stanley Tucci’s original, commanding laughter and tension in equal measure. The ensemble excel at audience interaction, especially during the Capitol’s television sequences, where the line between performer and spectator is delightfully blurred.

Visually, the contrast between the Capitol’s lavishly complete sets and District 12’s resourceful, fragmented design could not be more striking. It’s a masterstroke that mirrors the story’s central theme of inequality — those who struggle to survive versus those who pay to watch. Every technical element, from sound to lighting, serves the narrative rather than overshadowing it.

What makes this production exceptional is its balance of spectacle and soul. It dazzles the senses while keeping its heart firmly rooted in the humanity of its characters. Rarely does a show of such scale retain this much emotional truth.

In short, The Hunger Games is a landmark piece of live theatre — visually stunning, emotionally charged, and conceptually daring. A must-see for both fans of the franchise and anyone passionate about what can be achieved on stage.

Booking until 25th October 2026

Photo credit: Johan Persson

Reviewed by Eris