Citizens of Panem, the world is watching. The Hunger Games: On Stage is the first-ever theatre adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ internationally bestselling novel and the Lionsgate film, and it is now playing in London in a venue built specially for it. If you grew up with Katniss Everdeen, or you simply love big, bold theatre, this is one of the most talked-about shows in the capital.
The production began previews in October 2025 and opened officially in November 2025. Due to demand, it has been extended, with a new second-year cast beginning performances on 23 October 2026. Here is everything you need to know before you book.
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The Story
The show follows the first Hunger Games story. In the nation of Panem, the powerful Capitol forces each of its districts to send two young tributes to fight in a televised contest. When her younger sister is chosen, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her place, setting off on a journey of courage, defiance and survival that turns her into a symbol of hope.
The stage version is adapted by multi award-winning playwright Conor McPherson, known for Girl from the North Country and The Weir, and directed by Matthew Dunster, whose work includes 2:22 A Ghost Story and Hangmen. It is not a musical. Instead, it combines drama with extraordinary stunts, illusions and immersive staging to bring the arena to life.
A Theatre Built for the Games
One of the biggest draws is the venue itself. The Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre is a brand-new, purpose-built auditorium with around 1,200 seats, designed with blockbuster entertainment in mind. The audience surrounds the action, and seating is divided into districts, just like Panem.
Some seating banks even move. The sections for Districts 1 and 2 rotate for around 30 seconds at certain points in the performance, adding to the feeling that you are inside the story. During those moments you cannot enter or leave those sections, and the theatre operates a no-readmission policy throughout the show, so plan accordingly.
Expect the full spectacle of the Capitol, from the glamour of the tribute interviews hosted by Caesar Flickerman to the tension of the arena. Actor John Malkovich appears on a large state-of-the-art screen at various points as President Snow, rather than live on stage.
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Why the Story Works So Well on Stage
The Hunger Games has always been a story about spectacle and about who is watching. In the books and films, the Games are a television event staged for an audience in the Capitol. In the theatre, you become part of that audience, sitting in your district and watching the tributes fight for survival. It is a clever twist that makes the themes feel more immediate than on screen.
The production is also a showcase for its young cast, with critics describing it as a feat of athleticism. Combat, climbing and chase sequences happen all around the auditorium, so wherever you sit, the action is close by. Reviews have called it spectacular, a blockbuster production and a dazzling dystopia.
Performance Times and Running Time
Performances take place from Tuesday to Sunday. Evening shows run Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Friday and Saturday at 2.30pm and on Sunday afternoons. From 1 November, the Sunday matinee starts at 3pm. The running time is around two hours and thirty minutes including an interval.
Is It Suitable for Children?
The production recommends ages 12 and over, and suggests a good guide is whether you are comfortable with the level of content in The Hunger Games films. Under-3s are not admitted and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. The show contains loud noises and explosions, haze and smoke, flashing lights and strobe effects, and deals with themes of death, grief and guilt.
Ticket Prices and Ways to Save
Tickets start from around 35 pounds, with premium seats closer to the action and VIP packages available. Prices vary by date and seating location, and midweek performances often offer better value.
There are several ways to save. A family ticket offer gives savings of up to 15 pounds per ticket when you book four or more. Groups of ten or more receive discounted rates, and dedicated schools prices make the show a popular choice for educational trips. For a special occasion, the VIP experience includes access to the Songbird Restaurant and Bar, Taittinger Champagne, chef’s canapes, a souvenir programme and a host to escort you to your seats.
Getting There
The theatre is on Water Street in Canary Wharf, London E14. Canary Wharf is served by the Jubilee line, the DLR and the Elizabeth line, which makes it quick to reach from central London and major rail stations. The area is full of riverside restaurants, bars and green spaces, so it is easy to turn your visit into a full day or evening out.
Before or after the show, you can explore Jubilee Park, the Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Canary Wharf’s award-winning public art trail. In winter, the Winter Lights festival adds another reason to visit. If you are travelling from further afield, ticket and hotel packages are available through the official website, making it simple to plan an overnight stay.
Tips for Your Visit
Arrive in good time, as all bags are searched on entry and large suitcases are not allowed in the auditorium. A cloakroom is available for a small charge. Filming and photography are not permitted, and smart glasses with cameras must be checked in. The venue has three bars and the Songbird restaurant on site, and is fully air-conditioned.
Accessible seating, including step-free seats and wheelchair positions, is available, and closed captions can be accessed at every performance through smart glasses or tablets that can be reserved in advance.
May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favour
With a purpose-built arena, moving seats, daring stunts and a story that has gripped millions of readers and filmgoers, The Hunger Games: On Stage is a genuinely different night at the theatre. Whether you are a lifelong fan or new to Panem, it is a spectacle best seen live.
Popular dates, especially weekends and the Christmas period, sell quickly. Book your Hunger Games: On Stage tickets early to secure the seats and district you want.
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