Hunger Games Live on Stage

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May the odds be ever in your favor this October.

For the very first time, “The Hunger Games” is coming to life on stage, with performances starting from October 20th at the Troubadour Theatre located within bustling Canary Wharf, a modern theater seating approximately 1,200 people in the heart of London.

Renowned playwright Conor McPherson is bringing Suzanne Collins’ first book from her acclaimed series and the initial film from Lionsgate’s famous movie franchise to life on stage. This production will be overseen by distinguished director Matthew Dunster, known for his work in “2:22 – A Ghost Story,” “Hangmen,” and “The Pillowman.”

In this version, the text is made more conversational and easier to understand while maintaining the original meaning.

The “Hunger Games” series consists of four highly-praised books that have sold over 100 million copies globally and been translated into 52 languages. These novels also sparked a successful film franchise earning over $3.4 billion at global box offices. Suzanne Collins’ upcoming novel in the “Hunger Games” series, titled “Sunrise on the Reaping,” will be published by Scholastic on March 18, 2025. The movie adaptation of this new book is scheduled for release by Lionsgate on Nov. 20, 2026.

I’m overjoyed that ‘The Hunger Games’ is now in the capable hands of talented playwright Conor McPherson and skilled director Matthew Dunster. Conor has crafted an exceptional adaptation that sets it apart from the original screenplay. And with Matthew’s innovative, energetic staging, audiences are given a fresh perspective to immerse themselves in this captivating story.

In a chilling future scenario, “The Hunger Games” sparks an exhilarating struggle for existence, as 24 young combatants are forced to compete in a battlefield. Katniss Everdeen, a courageous and adaptable protagonist, rises to become a beacon of resistance, battling not just for her own survival but also for the dream of liberation from an oppressive Capitol.

Conor McPherson skillfully extracts depth and intensity from the book and film versions, crafting a tense and risky play that’s true to his signature style. He respects Katniss Everdeen’s youthful voice and places it at the forefront, as stated by Dunster. For over a year, we’ve been meticulously refining our theatrical language with our exceptional creative team to deliver an experience as powerful and innovative as Suzanne Collins’ novel, and as captivating and exhilarating as the movie. However, we plan to make it distinctively theatrical – our version of ‘The Hunger Games’. We aim to present a uniquely theatrical production that will leave audiences spellbound.

Working on a story that emphasizes resilience and moral courage, which resonates with today’s teenagers, is extremely rewarding for me as a father. Our goal is to stay true to Suzanne Collins’ original work while creating an adaptation that’s just as exciting on stage as it is in the book. It’s been a delightful experience watching the language of this production grow and transform during dynamic workshops led by Matthew Dunster, along with choreographer Charlotte Broom and their dedicated group of young performers.

Lionsgate’s Global Products and Experiences Group presents promising avenues for expanding iconic film and TV franchises such as “The Hunger Games.” Furthermore, the studio is planning stage adaptations for films like “La La Land,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Wonder,” and others. Additionally, they are developing a high-end mobile game based on the John Wick series and branded attractions.

Lionsgate’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Products and Experiences, Jenefer Brown, expressed that ‘The Hunger Games’ is among the finest book-to-movie adaptations ever made, sparking profound thoughts in viewers about their world and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s an honor for us to now present this captivating narrative, its memorable characters, and its immersive universe on stage, marking a new thrilling chapter,” said Jenefer Brown.

The Canary Wharf Theatre, specifically designed for this occasion, will debut the stage version of “The Hunger Games.” Audience members will find themselves immersed in the action, as the unique, circular layout of the theater allows for an engaging and interactive experience.

Truly exceptional, the adaptation of ‘The Hunger Games’ for the stage is a significant milestone. We recognized that this iconic story needed an equally remarkable team and setting. This custom-built theater is ideally suited for Panem, offering our talented crew the opportunity to construct an immersive, thrilling environment that truly embodies Suzanne Collins’ universe,” stated Tristan Baker and Oliver Royds, co-CEOs and founders of Troubadour Theatres. “Every detail – from the stage design to the technology – has been meticulously crafted to immerse audiences in the Games as never before.

The theatrical adaptation of ‘The Hunger Games’, titled ‘The Hunger Games: On Stage’, is brought to you by Oliver Royds, Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons from Runaway Entertainment, in collaboration with Isobel David and Umeda Arts Theater, under license from Lionsgate. Ticket sales commence at 1 p.m. GMT on March 27.”

“Our theater version of ‘The Hunger Games’ is named ‘The Hunger Games: On Stage’. It’s produced by Oliver Royds, Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons from Runaway Entertainment, along with Isobel David and Umeda Arts Theater. They have the rights from Lionsgate. Tickets will be available for purchase starting March 27 at 1 p.m. GMT.

Watch a behind-the-scenes first look:

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2025-02-27 16:47