A stage adaptation of The Hunger Games will open in London, with performances beginning October 20 at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre. The production is based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel and its film adaptation.
The play has been adapted by playwright Conor McPherson and will be directed by Matthew Dunster. The venue, a 1,200-seat theater built for this production, is designed to create an immersive experience for audiences.
“I’m thrilled that The Hunger Games is in the hands of gifted playwright Conor McPherson and accomplished director Matthew Dunster,” Collins said. “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.”
Set in a dystopian future, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager forced to compete in a televised battle for survival against other tributes. The novel, released in 2008, led to a bestselling book series and a successful film franchise. The films grossed more than $3.4 billion at the worldwide box office.
McPherson spoke about his approach to adapting the story. “Our focus is to honor Suzanne Collins’ achievement with a faithful adaptation that’s as thrilling on stage as it is on the page,” he said. “It’s been a great pleasure to watch the theatrical language of this show evolving through explosive workshops under Matthew Dunster’s partnership with choreographer Charlotte Broom and their tireless team of young performers.”
Dunster emphasized the production’s distinct approach. “We’ve been workshopping the play for over a year with our creative team. We want to bring audiences something as impactful as Suzanne Collins’ novel and as passionate as the movie. But we are going to do it in our own way – in the theater.”
Behind-the-scenes footage from rehearsals has shown actors performing aerial stunts and high-energy fight sequences. The play’s creative team includes set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Moi Tran, choreographer Charlotte Broom, lighting designer Lucy Carter, sound designer Ian Dickinson, video designer Tal Rosner, illusionist Chris Fisher, and fight director Kev McCurdy.
The Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre was built for this production, allowing for an intimate audience experience. The venue’s design brings actors into close proximity with spectators, enhancing the intensity of The Hunger Games.
Lionsgate’s Global Products and Experiences Group continues to expand major film properties into live entertainment. The Hunger Games joins other productions such as La La Land, Dirty Dancing, and Wonder.
Producers of the show include Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Oliver Royds for BOS Productions, and Isobel David by arrangement with Lionsgate. Tickets will go on sale on March 27.