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The Hunger Games Opens in London’s New Arena With Spectacle and Skeptical Reviews

Reviews highlight dazzling stunts alongside thin character work.

Overview

  • The stage adaptation is running at the purpose-built, 1,200‑seat in‑the‑round Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, with bookings through October 2026.
  • Mia Carragher, 21, makes her stage debut as Katniss Everdeen, drawing notice for an energetic, highly physical performance.
  • John Malkovich appears only via pre‑recorded video as President Snow, a choice several critics say limits the role’s impact.
  • Critics broadly praise the athletic fight choreography, large‑scale effects and immersive staging, while faulting pacing, emotional clarity and the arena’s effectiveness for intimate storytelling.
  • Preview performances drew complaints about long queues and late starts, and reviewers flag premium pricing, with many seats over £100 and top ringside tickets reported around £365.