The Hunger Games: On Stage, the first-ever live stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins’s bestselling novel, has arrived in London, transforming the newly built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre into an immersive theatrical battleground. At the heart of this highly anticipated production is Mia Carragher, the 21-year-old actress cast as Katniss Everdeen, stepping into a role long associated with the film franchise and reimagining it for the theatre.
From Page to Stage: A New Theatrical Vision
Adapting The Hunger Games for the stage presents unique creative challenges. Rather than attempting to replicate the cinematic spectacle, the production—adapted by acclaimed playwright Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster—focuses on storytelling that leverages theatrical immediacy and atmosphere. The play brings Collins’s dystopian world to life with inventive staging, immersive design, and an ensemble cast that supports Carragher’s portrayal of the courageous tribute from District 12.
According to London Theatre Direct, the production premieres on 20 October 2025 at the purpose-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, a 1,200-seat venue designed to accommodate the show’s immersive format.
Mia Carragher as Katniss Everdeen
Carragher, whose previous credits include One Night in Istanbul and the Channel 4 drama The Gathering, will lead the cast as Katniss Everdeen. Her casting was announced in July 2025, and Carragher has expressed both excitement and honor at taking on the role in the stage adaptation.
Director Matthew Dunster praised Carragher’s blend of determination, athleticism, and charisma—qualities essential to embodying Katniss’s fierce spirit. In official press statements, both the creative team and Carragher herself have emphasized the opportunity to explore the character in a new medium distinct from the films.
Ensemble Cast and Creative Team
The production features a strong supporting cast, including Euan Garrett as Peeta Mellark, Joshua Lacey as Haymitch Abernathy, Tristan Waterson as Gale Hawthorne, Tamsin Carroll as Effie Trinket, Stavros Demetraki as Caesar Flickerman, Nathan Ives-Moiba as Cinna/Mayor, Sophia Ally as Prim Everdeen, and Ruth Everett as Mrs. Everdeen.
John Malkovich is also confirmed to appear in the production as President Coriolanus Snow. His role will be presented via on-screen performance integrated into the staging, adding a cinematic layer to the theatrical experience.
Immersive Theatre and Expanded Run
The show’s run, originally scheduled through early 2026, has been extended due to strong demand and ticket sales. Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre has confirmed that performances will continue through October 2026, making The Hunger Games: On Stage one of the season’s longest-running West End attractions.
The production’s immersive setting places audiences in close proximity to the action, transforming the theatre into a dynamic embodiment of Panem. While reviews from early performances vary, the unique staging and creative ambition have generated significant buzz within London’s theatre scene.
The Legacy of a Beloved Story
The Hunger Games franchise, based on Suzanne Collins’s globally bestselling books and the hit Lionsgate films, has reached audiences worldwide through multiple mediums. The stage adaptation brings the original story of courage, resilience, and resistance to a new generation of theatre-goers, while honoring the narrative’s emotional core.
As the production continues its run and attracts both theatre enthusiasts and fans of the original series, Mia Carragher’s performance as Katniss Everdeen will be central to defining how this beloved story translates from page and screen to stage.
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