I went to see The Hunger Games: On Stage at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre and wanted to share an honest review because the show has had some very mixed reactions online. While it didn’t completely blow me away, I did enjoy it overall and I think it’s one of those productions that’s worth experiencing for yourself rather than relying entirely on other people’s opinions.
The stage show is based on Suzanne Collins’ first Hunger Games book and the first Lionsgate film, following Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers for the deadly competition in place of her younger sister. The story takes place in the dystopian world of Panem, where the wealthy Capitol controls the surrounding districts and forces children to compete in the brutal Hunger Games.
The Theatre and Seating Experience
The show takes place in a custom-built auditorium at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, designed completely “in the round”. This means the stage sits in the centre with seating surrounding it from all sides, which works really well for a story like The Hunger Games as it mirrors the feeling of the arena.
Seats are divided into eleven different “Districts”, referencing the world of Panem. The majority of seats are on the lower level, with a smaller section called District 11 located upstairs in the circle, overlooking the stage. Some sections even have moving seats, particularly in Districts 1 and 2, which shift during key moments to add to the immersive feel of the production.
We sat in District 6, Row C, and honestly the view was excellent. From that row you can clearly see everything happening on stage, and I would definitely recommend those seats if you’re booking tickets.
What the Show Is Like
The production runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes including an interval and attempts to tell the entire story of the first Hunger Games book within that time.
There is quite a lot of internal monologue from Katniss, which mirrors the book and allows the audience to hear her thoughts and emotions. Personally, I did find this dragged slightly at times and it occasionally slowed the pace of the first half.
However, the second half of the show is definitely stronger than the first. Once the Games themselves begin, the pacing improves and the action becomes much more engaging.
One thing to note is that John Malkovich appears on screen as President Snow, but he is not physically on stage, so it’s worth knowing that before you go.
Choreography, Staging and Effects
The choreography was actually one of the highlights for me. Whether it was the fight scenes or movement sequences, everything felt well rehearsed and visually impressive.
Considering how difficult it must be to adapt such a well-known film and book for the stage, I think the production team did a good job of including the key moments fans would expect. There are some memorable scenes, including the flaming chariots and the train sequence, which were really well executed.
The staging also uses the space effectively, with performers entering from different sides of the arena and using the central stage dynamically.
Is It Suitable for Kids?
The recommended age for the show is 12+, which feels about right.
I took my 10-year-old daughter, who hasn’t seen the films or read the books, and she was completely engaged the whole time. Even during the arena scenes, the “killing” moments weren’t overly graphic. There is some fake blood, but it isn’t particularly intense.
Parents should be aware that the production includes loud noises, explosions, flashing lights, haze and smoke, which may be overwhelming for some younger viewers.
Ticket Prices and Practical Information
Tickets for The Hunger Games: On Stage start from £30, with standard tickets typically around £60 and premium seating from £125.
There is also a cloakroom available on site, located on the ground floor past the staircase, where guests can leave bags and coats for a small charge.
Final Thoughts
I’ve seen quite a few negative reviews of this show, so I went in with fairly low expectations. While it didn’t completely knock me off my feet, I did enjoy the experience and appreciated the effort that has gone into bringing such a huge story to the stage.
Adapting a major film franchise like The Hunger Games into a theatre production is never going to be easy, especially when fans already have strong expectations. That said, the immersive arena staging, choreography and key moments from the story make it an interesting watch.
For me, it’s a good reminder that reviews are subjective and everyone experiences theatre differently. If you’re a fan of the books or films, it might still be worth seeing for yourself.
@kiddoadventures AD| I volunteered as tribute… to review The Hunger Games: On Stage in London 🎭 This immersive theatre show at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre brings the first Hunger Games story to life with a stage built in the round so the audience surrounds the arena. Some seats even move during key moments. Tickets start from £30 (standard from £60, premium up to £125) and the show runs 2h 30 including interval. For me the first half dragged a little, but the second half was much better once the games began. The choreography and fight scenes were really good and my 10-year-old was completely into it. Would I recommend it? I’m glad I went… but I’d love to hear what others think 👀 📍 Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, London #TheHungerGamesOnStage #thehungergames #londontheatre #londonforkids #canarywharf @The Hunger Games On Stage
♬ Horn of Plenty – From “The Hunger Games” – The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
