The first-ever live stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ blockbuster novel The Hunger Games is set to debut in London later this year. The production will open at the newly built 1,200-seat Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, marking a major milestone in bringing the dystopian saga to the stage.
A Theatrical Reimagining of the Global Phenomenon
The adaptation, based on both the bestselling novel and the Lionsgate film starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, has been written by acclaimed Irish playwright Conor McPherson (The Weir, Girl From the North Country). Directed by Matthew Dunster (2:22 – A Ghost Story, The Pillowman), the stage version promises a “thrillingly theatrical” experience unlike anything seen before.
Performances of The Hunger Games: On Stage will commence on October 20, 2025. The story, set in a dystopian future where 24 young tributes battle for survival in a deadly arena for public entertainment, will be presented in a dynamic in-the-round setting designed to immerse audiences in the action.
Collins and Creative Team Praise Adaptation
Author Suzanne Collins expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating: “I’m thrilled that The Hunger Games is in the hands of gifted playwright Conor McPherson and accomplished director Matthew Dunster. Conor has done a fantastic adaptation, which is quite unique from the screenplay. And Matthew’s immersive, dynamic staging gives the audience a brand-new way to experience the story.”
McPherson, who was drawn to the story’s themes of resilience and moral courage, added: “As a dad to a teenager, it’s especially gratifying working on a story whose values speak to young people in these uncertain times. Our singular focus is to honor Suzanne Collins’ achievement with a faithful adaptation that’s as thrilling on stage as it is on the page.”
Director Dunster emphasized the effort that has gone into making the production unique: “We’ve been workshopping the play for over a year with our world-class creative team, carefully honing our theatrical vocabulary because we want to bring audiences something as impactful and edgy as Suzanne Collins’ novel and as passionate and exciting as the movie. But we are going to do it in our own way – in the theatre.”
A Venue Designed for the Arena
The state-of-the-art Troubadour Theatre was purpose-built to host the world premiere of The Hunger Games: On Stage. Producers promise that spectators will feel “part of the action” thanks to an innovative, immersive stage design.
Tristan Baker and Oliver Royds, joint founders of Troubadour Theatres, described the significance of the venue: “Bringing The Hunger Games to the stage is an extraordinary moment, and we knew it demanded an equally extraordinary team and venue. This specially designed theatre is the perfect home for Panem, allowing our world-class team to create a transportive, electrifying experience that fully captures the scale, intensity, and spectacle of Suzanne Collins’ world.”
Tickets and Further Details
Tickets for The Hunger Games: On Stage will go on sale at 1:00 PM on March 27, 2025. More information can be found at www.thehungergamesonstage.com.
Meanwhile, anticipation for the franchise continues to grow, as Collins’ latest novel Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be published by Scholastic on March 18, with a film adaptation planned for November 2026.
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