A ‘Hunger Games’ Stage Show Will Happen in London in October
London is gearing up for an exciting event this fall. A live stage version of “The Hunger Games” will make its debut on October 20, 2025, at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre. This new venue, located in the bustling Canary Wharf district, can seat 1,200 people and was built specifically for this show.
The play comes from the mind of Conor McPherson, a well-known playwright with awards to his name. He took the first book by Suzanne Collins and the Lionsgate movie and turned them into a stage production. Matthew Dunster, a director recognized for works like “2:22 – A Ghost Story” and “Hangmen,” is leading the effort.
Together, they aim to bring the intense story of Katniss Everdeen to life. She’s a brave young woman who fights for survival in a deadly arena and stands up to the harsh Capitol in a grim future world.
Work on the play has been going on for over a year. The team held workshops to shape the show, focusing on making it feel real and gripping for the audience. A skilled group, including choreographer Charlotte Broom, set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Moi Tran, and lighting designer Lucy Carter, has teamed up to create the world of Panem on stage. Their goal is to pull viewers right into the action.
Suzanne Collins, the author of the series, is happy with the result. “I’m thrilled that ‘The Hunger Games’ is in the hands of gifted playwright Conor McPherson and accomplished director Matthew Dunster,” she said. “Connor 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.”
Dunster shared his thoughts too. “Conor McPherson lifts the detail and power from the book and film and has provided us with the kind of taut and dangerous play he is renowned for. He honours the young voice of Katniss Everdeen and puts her front and centre,” he said. He added that the live show will stand out from the films by offering a fresh, theater-based thrill.
McPherson also spoke about why the story matters to him. “As a dad to a teenager myself, it’s especially gratifying working on a story whose values of resilience and moral courage speak to young people in these uncertain times,” he said. He’s focused on keeping the play true to Collins’ vision while making it exciting on stage.
Tickets for the show go on sale March 27, 2025, at 1 p.m. GMT. The “Hunger Games” books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into 52 languages. The movies made over $3.4 billion at the box office. A new book, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” comes out soon, with a film set for 2026. This stage show is the latest way fans can dive into the story.
This play might be a bold step. Turning a huge book and movie hit into a live show is risky, but the team’s passion and talent make it promising. It’s great to see Katniss’ story get a new spin that could inspire a younger crowd. What do you think about bringing “The Hunger Games” to the stage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!