We went to The Hunger Games: On Stage and here’s 5 things to expect from “epic” adaptation

After a long-awaited debut, The Hunger Games: On Stage has finally opened – but not in London’s traditional theatre district. This large-scale production is being staged in a newly constructed theatre in Canary Wharf, and according to those who attended the preview, the venue was still being finished just before the show began.

Ahead of its debut, we were promised that the show – written by Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster – would be an “epic” adaptation of the bestselling series by Suzanne Collins. Star Tasmin Carroll, who plays Effie Trinket, went one further by saying it is “unlike any other piece of theatre you have ever seen or probably ever will”.

Did the stage adaptation of The Hunger Games live up to expectations? We attended a preview performance to see how the show was shaping up and to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re considering getting tickets.

1. Unique staging

While not the first to use this approach, the theatre’s in-the-round staging really enhances the immersive quality of The Hunger Games: On Stage. It adds a lot of fun – whether encouraging the audience to applaud or laugh during Caesar Flickerman’s interviews, or making them feel like part of the crowd during the Tribute Parade – something a conventional stage setup wouldn’t be able to achieve.

The initial focus on broader themes diminishes in the second act, which largely becomes a representation of the Hunger Games arena itself. The only real connection to the audience is through their assigned seating sections – designed like districts – which light up red when a character from that district dies. The production cleverly utilizes the theater’s height, employing rigging to create the look of trees within the Games.

The stage design is very adaptable, easily changing to suit different scenes. A rising floor allows for quick set changes, even bringing up things like the train Katniss and Peeta take to the Capitol. Surprisingly, one of the most effective moments doesn’t rely on complex technology – Katniss’s home is beautifully recreated by performers who actually hold up pieces of the house.

If you’re sitting in District 1 or 2, the seats themselves will shift during the performance to create more space. While this effect was more impressive in the brief run of the Cinderella musical, it still adds a unique touch to the show.

2. Easter eggs

The stage adaptation of The Hunger Games draws from both the original book and the film, even incorporating details from the book that weren’t included in the movie. Author Suzanne Collins contributed by naming some of the background characters to make this version more true to her story.

For devoted fans, the play includes hidden references and callbacks to the entire Hunger Games story, including the latest book, Sunrise on the Reaping. While those unfamiliar with the series might miss these details, it won’t spoil the play or make it hard to follow.

Because the adaptation stays true to the original story, it still offers fans something fresh and enjoyable when revisiting the world of Panem.

3. John Malkovich

Last month, it was revealed that John Malkovich would be portraying President Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: On Stage, adding a well-known actor to the production. However, audiences won’t see Malkovich perform live each night. Instead, his scenes were filmed beforehand and are shown on large screens throughout the theatre.

Honestly, it just feels a little off. Seeing Snow at the Reaping makes sense – he wouldn’t normally be in District 12, so that part works. But later, when he does show up, it’s weird. They leave these long pauses after his lines, clearly waiting for the other person to respond, and it just feels clunky and unnatural. It pulls you out of the scene, you know?

The scene where he says goodbye to Katniss doesn’t have the emotional weight it needs, feeling a bit underwhelming. It might have been more effective to cast an actor with a strong stage background, like the rest of the cast, and have a consistent performer deliver the scene each time.

4. Divisive dancing

While the portrayal of President Snow isn’t perfect, the dance numbers in The Hunger Games: On Stage are likely to be the most controversial part of the show. There’s one particularly unusual musical scene when Katniss and Peeta arrive in the Capitol, which feels a bit out of place but helps illustrate how strange and unfamiliar the Capitol would seem to them.

Honestly, some of the dance numbers really threw me off, and the play would be way better without them. The start of Act Two, when the Hunger Games begin, was a prime example. They built up this intense, brutal atmosphere with amazing sound and lighting during the Cornucopia scene – it was genuinely scary! But then Katniss and the other tributes just… start dancing? It totally killed the mood and honestly, it was more funny than frightening. It just didn’t fit at all.

It’s particularly frustrating because the play’s fight scenes in the second act are actually very effective. Clever illusions and well-executed choreography make the fighting feel powerful without needing to be overly dramatic. The scenes involving the tracker jackers and the fire wall are also impressively done, proving that a simple approach can be the most impactful.

The reappearance of the dancing jars during the scene of Rue’s death – when the Capitol audience returns to the stage while Katniss grieves – feels misplaced. While intended to emphasize the Capitol’s indifference, it actually diminishes the emotional impact of a powerfully sad moment.

5. Peeta’s camouflage

Good news! Peeta’s famous camouflage skill is still featured in the second part of the story, and it’s executed effectively.

That’s all you really wanted to know, right?

You can see The Hunger Games: On Stage at the Canary Wharf Troubadour Theatre until October 25, 2026.

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2025-11-13 10:20