THE HUNGER GAMES ON STAGE – A HIGH-CONCEPT SPECTACLE THAT STRUGGLES TO CATCH FIRE

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

A single bow suspended in the darkness. Smoke billows across the stage, and a figure emerges… Katniss Everdeen, the girl from District 12. From the very first moment, it’s clear that this production wants to immerse you in the world of The Hunger Games, with ambition and spectacle. The show closely follows Suzanne Collins’ first book, retelling the story of survival, rebellion, and sacrifice. Though at times, it doesn’t quite hit the emotional depth that made the original so gripping.

The set design is ambitious: a mix of high-tech screens, gantry cranes, and constantly shifting structures. The video screens sometimes work beautifully, highlighting the Gamemakers’ manipulations and the different tributes. But there were moments where the images on multiple screens didn’t sync. My eyes kept darting back and forth to catch everything, which made some scenes feel disjointed.

The aerial work and choreography are some of the production’s highlights. Lighting and sound are strong throughout, with standout moments that make the kills and confrontations genuinely tense. Pyrotechnics add real drama, especially in the more intense arena sequences. But at times the small cast feels swamped by the scale of the venue, and the lighting and sound struggle to fill the space. It felt like the spectacle took priority over emotional connection.

AMID THE PYRO AND PRECISION, THE EMOTIONAL CORE OF PANEM PROVES HARDER TO CAPTURE

Mia Carragher embodies Katniss physically, but I found it hard to fully connect with her emotionally. The internal monologues feel slightly forced, switching abruptly between action and reflection in a way that loses momentum. And while the production focuses on the physical danger of the Games, it loses some of the quieter emotional beats. The bond between Katniss and Peeta lacks the slow-burn subtlety of the book, though her fleeting friendship with Rue offers the most warmth and heart.

Secondary characters like Cinna, Haymitch, and Effie don’t get the development they deserve. Haymitch’s transformation from drunken cynic to supportive mentor feels sudden, and Effie’s unusual accent seem out of place, adding to a sense of disconnection. John Malkovich appears as President Snow on screen, and while his portrayal is solid, it’s hard to feel the threat or tension when it’s pre-recorded rather than live.

The second half is dominated by a long, high-octane action sequence. There are no stunt doubles, and the fight scenes and weapon work are executed with precision and commitment. While visually exciting, the sequence alone doesn’t quite carry the entire show. Certain choices, like reducing the number of tributes and condensing events, make sense logistically but occasionally dilute the story’s stakes.

A CINEMATIC STAGE EXPERIENCE THAT NEVER QUITE HITS ITS MARK

It’s clear that an enormous amount of creativity and passion has gone into this production. The design, choreography, and technical elements are impressive, and fans of the book or film will be excited to see Panem brought to life. Yet, something is missing. That spark that would elevate it from a competent adaptation to a truly thrilling theatrical experience. A slightly larger cast or more focus on character relationships might have made the world feel more complete and immersive.

Ultimately, The Hunger Games On Stage delivers spectacle, energy, and flashes of brilliance, but struggles to fully capture the heart of the story. It’s a show worth seeing for the stagecraft and ambition, but it leaves you wishing for just a little more connection to the characters and narrative you love.

The Hunger Games: On Stage is running at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre until Sunday 25 October 2026.

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Photo Credit: Johan Persson