Growing up, The Hunger Games franchise was huge. From the books to the blockbuster films, everyone was obsessed, so it totally makes sense that we now have a stage adaptation.
If you’re a Hunger Games fan, this adaptation is for you. It’s packed with action, special effects, and moments that make you feel like a spectator in the auditorium, watching the deadly games unfold right before your eyes.
If you haven’t seen the films or read the books by Suzanne Collins, the story is set in a world where humans are forced into a real-life battlefield, and the wealthy watch it all for entertainment. Think Squid Game and Battle Royale. It’s a grotesque concept, but it makes for wildly popular storytelling.
Adapted by Conor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, the play follows Katniss Everdeen (Mia Carragher), a young woman from the poorest district, District 12. Every year, one boy and one girl are chosen to participate in the Hunger Games. When Katniss’s little sister Prim (Sophia Ally) is selected, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Alongside her is Peeta (Euan Garrett), who’s also chosen to compete.
From there, Katniss and Peeta are whisked away from their home and thrown into the brutal world of the Games. They must charm wealthy sponsors to send them life-saving gifts and train relentlessly before facing off against other tributes from across the districts. One by one, the competitors fall until only Katniss and Peeta remain in a game where only one person is meant to survive.
There are plenty of reasons why this play will become a fan favourite. It’s not your typical theatre experience. There’s fire, flying, and full-blown combat, and it’s seriously entertaining. Fight director Kev McCurdy deserves huge credit for making the battle scenes feel realistic and thrilling. The choreography by Charlotte Broom beautifully connects each scene and gives the action flow, while the illusions by Chris Fisher (who also worked on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) add genuine magic to the show.
I also loved the costumes by Moi Tran, from flaming capes to sleek battle-ready leotards, each outfit looked fantastic and gave the actors freedom to move. And the set, designed by Miriam Buether, is seriously impressive. The auditorium seats move (thankfully not mine, I’d get motion sickness), the stage floor opens to reveal different worlds, and every element screams high-budget spectacle.
However, I did find it a little hard to connect emotionally with what was happening on stage. The arena-style setup made it feel more like a WWE event than a theatre show, which created some distance between the audience and the characters. Because of that, I didn’t feel as emotionally invested as I usually would.
I also found the story itself, though true to Suzanne Collins’s novel and the Lionsgate films, a bit, dare I say, flat. It lacked some of the spark and depth that made the original Hunger Games so gripping. A few of the “filler” scenes could’ve been trimmed down to make room for even more action, because let’s be honest, that’s what most of us came to see.
That said, the cast were all brilliant and gave it their all. From high-energy combat scenes to emotional moments, every performer shone. I especially loved the sweet friendship between Katniss and Rue (Aiya Agustin). It brought a tender, human touch to such a cruel story.
The Hunger Games stage adaptation is truly unlike anything you’ve seen before in theatre. With giant digital screens, moving seats, real fire, people flying, and Hollywood-level fight sequences, it’s a full-on spectacle. If you’re after a deep, emotional storyline, it might not hit the mark. But if you want pure wow factor, this is the show to see.
