Hunger Games Stage Show Divides The Critics

Panem in London: A Fiery Stage Debut That Divides Opinion

In a repurposed corner of Canary Wharf, a district more familiar with finance than gladiatorial combat, a new production has brought the dystopian world of Panem to startling life. The show, The Hunger Games: On Stage, unfolds within a purpose-built, 1,200-seat arena. This ambitious theatrical event has ignited a fierce debate among critics and audiences, celebrated for its technical audacity yet questioned for its emotional depth. It represents one of the boldest theatrical ventures in London's post-pandemic era.

This production presents a bold new take on the internationally acclaimed novels by Suzanne Collins. These books, which also inspired a blockbuster movie series featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, depict a grim future where adolescents must battle in a deadly, broadcasted contest. With a reported budget of £26 million for both the show and venue, the creative team has spared no expense in its attempt to create a fully immersive experience for theatregoers.

A New Arena for a Brutal Contest

The venue, the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, was constructed specifically for this production. Its arena-style seating ingeniously divides the audience into "districts," immediately drawing them into the oppressive society of Panem. This design facilitates grand visual effects, engrossing projections, and spectacular airborne scenes that aim to plunge spectators directly into the action. Spanning three floors, the theatre itself boasts extensive facilities and a design ethos rooted in sustainability, utilising repurposed materials.

One of the most discussed moments involves the protagonists, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, maneuvering above the performance space within a chariot engulfed in flames. This feat of technical wizardry is just one of many spectacles designed to captivate the audience. Led by producers Tristan Baker and Oliver Royds, the production team has emphasised their commitment to creating a unique theatrical event that stands apart from both the books and the films, justifying the construction of an entirely new venue.

A Spectacle of Fire and Fury

The technical achievements of The Hunger Games: On Stage have been widely acknowledged. Critics have lauded the production's ambitious nature and the sheer scale of its production values. The use of a highly mobile set, pyrotechnics, and tightly choreographed fight sequences creates a relentlessly energetic atmosphere, particularly in the second act when the games begin. Kev McCurdy's fight direction orchestrates gasp-worthy duels that are both brutal and balletic.

However, this focus on spectacle has become a central point of contention. While publications like The Stage offered praise for the show being both grand and impressive, others, including the Financial Times, found it had plenty of visual energy but was missing a real emotional core. The consensus among many reviewers is that while the production successfully dazzles the senses, it struggles to connect with the audience on a deeper level, a sentiment echoed by The Guardian, which stated that spectacle takes precedence over emotion.

Image  Credit - by ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Rising Star in a Demanding Role

At the heart of the production is Mia Carragher, who makes her stage debut as the iconic heroine Katniss Everdeen. The 21-year-old actor, daughter of Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool football player, has been praised for her commanding physical presence and athletic performance. Carragher fearlessly navigates the complex set, scrambling up climbing nets and traversing high gantries, embodying the fierce spirit of her character with impressive conviction.

Despite her compelling performance, some critics have noted that the script, adapted by Conor McPherson, does not always serve her character well. The reliance on narration to convey Katn's internal monologue has been described as clunky, often burdening Carragher with exposition at the expense of genuine emotional expression. Nevertheless, her energetic portrayal has been consistently highlighted as one of the show's strongest elements, with many reviewers commending her for making the role her own.

A Cast of Familiar Faces

Supporting Carragher is a talented ensemble cast tasked with recreating the world of Panem. Euan Garrett portrays Peeta Mellark, Katniss's fellow tribute from District 12, winning sympathy for his portrayal of the baker's son. The dynamic between Katniss and Peeta, a crucial element of the story, has received mixed reviews, with some finding their romance underdeveloped amidst the chaos of the games.

Other notable performances include Tamsin Carroll as the eccentric Effie Trinket and Joshua Lacey as the troubled mentor Haymitch Abernathy. In a unique casting choice, veteran actor John Malkovich appears as the tyrannical President Snow. His performance, however, is delivered entirely via pre-recorded video projections, a decision that has been met with criticism for feeling disconnected and lacking the menace of a live performance.

Adapting a Beloved Story

Translating a sprawling dystopian epic from the page to the stage presents numerous challenges. The director, Matthew Dunster, and playwright Conor McPherson have remained largely faithful to the plot of the first book. This was a decision that Tristan Baker, one of the producers, emphasized the importance of to honour the source material. However, the adaptation is not without its changes, some of which have proved controversial among die-hard enthusiasts of the series.

One of the most significant alterations involves the origin of the Mockingjay pin, a crucial symbol of the rebellion. In the play, the pin is given to Katniss by her friend Gale, a departure from the book where she receives it from Madge Undersee, the mayor's daughter. This change, likely intended to heighten the romantic tension, has been met with disapproval from some followers who feel it diminishes the pin's significance. Other changes include the naming of previously unnamed tributes and the inclusion of details from later books in the series.

A Flawed but Ambitious Production

Despite the divided critical reception, this stage adaptation of The Hunger Games is an undeniably ambitious undertaking. The production's greatest strength lies in its ability to create a palpable sense of danger and immersion. The in-the-round staging and moving seating blocks effectively cast the audience as complicit spectators in the brutal games, a powerful theatrical device that underscores the story's themes of voyeurism and societal responsibility.

The show's producers have acknowledged that the production faced initial difficulties during its preview performances, with some early theatregoers reporting long queues and technical glitches. However, they maintain that these problems have since been resolved. Those who were affected by the initial issues were offered a chance to see the show again. This commitment to refining the audience experience reflects the production team's dedication to realising their ambitious vision.

The Future of Panem on Stage

With its run currently scheduled until late 2026, the stage version of The Hunger Games has ample time to find its footing and win over audiences. The producers have hinted at the possibility of adapting the subsequent books in the series if the demand is there, suggesting that this could be just the beginning of Panem's theatrical journey. Matthew Dunster, who directed the production, has even expressed ambitions for a potential New York production, envisioning an equally impressive purpose-built venue in Brooklyn.

Ultimately, this is a production that dares to be different, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in live theatre. While it may not satisfy every critic or fan, its audacious blend of high-tech spectacle and raw physical performance makes for a memorable, if not always emotionally resonant, theatrical experience. Whether the odds will be ever in its favour remains to be seen, but for now, the girl on fire is burning brightly in the heart of London's financial district.