“The Hunger Games” is heading to the London stage.
A new adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ landmark young adult fantasy series will debut this October at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, a theater-in-the-round space custom-built for an immersive take on the author’s blockbuster 2008 novel.
The adaptation of the acclaimed book and Lionsgate motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence will begin performances on Oct. 20.
Conor McPherson, heralded by the New York Times as the “finest” playwright of his generation, adapted “The Hunger Games” in this stage show. Matthew Dunster (“A Ghost Story,” “The Pillowman”) is attached to direct.
“I’m thrilled that ‘The Hunger Games’ is in the hands of gifted playwright Conor McPherson and accomplished director Matthew Dunster,” creator and author Collins 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.”
McPherson shared that he had a special connection to the project and reflected on the story’s universal themes. “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.”
Both McPherson and Dunster promised the new adaptation would be as “thrilling” and “passionate” as the book and film were while also adding new elements that make it unique to the live theater experience.
“‘The Hunger Games’ is one of the best book to movie adaptations of all time, inspiring audiences to think deeply about the world around them and the strength of the human spirit,” Jenefer Brown, EVP and head of global products and experiences at Lionsgate, said. “We are honored to bring its powerful story, characters and world to the stage in this latest exciting chapter.”
“The Hunger Games” franchise currently encompasses four critically acclaimed novels that have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 52 languages. The blockbuster films’ first installment premiered back in 2012 and together have grossed more than $3.4 billion at the box office. Collins’ newest “Hunger Games” novel, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” will hit shelves March 18. The book is already being adapted into a major motion picture by Lionsgate and is slated to release on Nov. 20, 2026.
Joining McPherson and Dunster on the creative team are Miriam Buether, Moi Tran, Charlotte Broom, Lucy Carter, Ian Dickinson, Tal Rosner, Chris Fisher, Kev McCurdy, Suspended Illusions, James Maloney, Amy Ball CDG, James Robert Moore, Robyn Grant, Luke Smith and Lloyd Thomas.
“The Hunger Games: On Stage” is produced by Oliver Royds, Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Umeda Arts Theater, by arrangement with Lionsgate.
Tickets for “The Hunger Games: On Stage” will go on-sale at 1 p.m. GMT on March 27. You can sign-up for priority access to tickets at www.thehungergamesonstage.com.
