A Long-Awaited Debut Marred by Initial Issues
The theatrical world witnessed a major event last month as The Hunger Games: On Stage made its global premiere in London. Based on Suzanne Collins' dystopian novel, this ambitious production features Mia Carragher, daughter of football legend Jamie Carragher, in the pivotal role of Katniss Everdeen, while Hollywood icon John Malkovich portrays the menacing President Snow.
However, the show's opening was not without controversy. Audience members reported significant delays, with footage on TikTok showing queues outside the theatre at 7:29pm for a show scheduled to begin at 7:30pm. Some attendees claimed the performance eventually started an hour late. The three-hour runtime, including an interval, meant many didn't leave the venue until nearly midnight.
Accessibility concerns also emerged, with disability influencer Sophie-Jayne Butler claiming she left before the show started and requested a refund because her seat "wasn't accessible".
An Immersive Theatrical Experience
Despite these initial problems, the production itself delivers a remarkable experience. Staged at the newly built £26 million Troubadour theatre in Canary Wharf, specifically designed for this show, audiences are seated in different "districts" mirroring the Hunger Games world.
The arena-style seating and amphitheatre design immediately make spectators feel like citizens of the Capitol watching the games unfold. From the opening scenes in District 12 to the transport to the Capitol and ultimately the arena itself, the production employs groundbreaking stage designs and visual effects that quickly immerse the audience in Panem.
Mia Carragher delivers a standout performance as Katniss, perfectly capturing the character's "pure determination to simply survive" while maintaining the child-like perspective of a young teenager thrust into anarchy. Particularly impressive were the archery sequences, where Katniss's bow appeared to shoot arrows with such realism that the technical wizardry behind it remains wonderfully mysterious.
The Missing Malkovich: A Creative Choice That Divides
The production's most controversial creative decision involves President Snow. While John Malkovich features prominently in all advertising for the show, he never actually appears on stage. Instead, his performance is delivered exclusively via large screens, presenting him as an omnipotent figure watching over Panem.
While this approach effectively conveys President Snow's omniscience within the totalitarian dictatorship, many audience members expecting to see the acclaimed actor in person found the screen-only presence disappointing. Having built anticipation through marketing materials, some hoped for a dramatic stage appearance, perhaps similar to the Wizard emerging from behind the curtains.
Nevertheless, the production's technical achievements are undeniable. The stage itself transforms throughout the performance, with some district seats moving to reconfigure the space into different shapes. Action occurs throughout the theatre, including fight sequences along the side boards separating audience sections, creating a truly immersive experience that makes it hard not to enjoy The Hunger Games on Stage.
With a second prequel book and film focusing on Haymitch Abernathy expected in 2026, this stage production arrives at the perfect time to reignite fan enthusiasm for the Hunger Games universe that has spanned five books, five films, and numerous awards.
