‘The Hunger Games: On Stage’ Sets October Premiere in London

May the odds be ever in your favor this October.

The first-ever live stage adaptation of “The Hunger Games” will begin performances on Oct. 20 at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, a brand new 1,200 seat venue situated in the heart of London’s vibrant Canary Wharf.

Award-winning playwright Conor McPherson has adapted the first book from Suzanne Collins’ epic series and the first film from Lionsgate’s iconic film franchise for this live theatrical production. The production will be helmed by renowned director Matthew Dunster (“2:22 – A Ghost Story,” “Hangmen,” “The Pillowman”).

“The Hunger Games” franchise encompasses four critically-acclaimed novels that have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into 52 languages, as well as a blockbuster film franchise that has grossed more than $3.4 billion at the worldwide box office. Suzanne Collins’ latest “Hunger Games” novel, the eagerly-anticipated “Sunrise on the Reaping,” will be launched by Scholastic on March 18, 2025, and will be adapted into a major motion picture event to be released by Lionsgate on Nov. 20, 2026.

“I’m thrilled that ‘The Hunger Games’ is in the hands of gifted playwright Conor McPherson and accomplished director Matthew Dunster,” 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.”

In a dystopian future, “The Hunger Games” ignites a thrilling battle for survival, where 24 young tributes are pitted against each other in an arena. Katniss Everdeen, a fearless and resourceful heroine, emerges as a symbol of rebellion as she fights not only for her life but for the hope of a nation oppressed by a ruthless Capitol.

“Conor McPherson lifts the detail and power from the book and film and has provided us with the kind of taut and dangerous play he is renowned for. He honours the young voice of Katniss Everdeen and puts her front and centre,” Dunster said. “We’ve been workshopping the play for over a year with our world class creative team; carefully honing our theatrical vocabulary because we want to bring audiences something as impactful and edgy as Suzanne Collins’ novel and as passionate and exciting as the movie. But we are going to do it in our own way – in the theatre. We want our ‘Hunger Games’ to be uniquely, thrillingly theatrical.”

“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,” Conor McPherson said. “Our singular focus is to honour Suzanne Collins’ achievement with a faithful adaptation that’s as thrilling on stage as it is on the page. It’s been a great pleasure to watch the theatrical language of this show evolving through explosive workshops under Matthew Dunster’s inspired partnership with choreographer Charlotte Broom and their tireless team of young performers.”

Lionsgate’s Global Products and Experiences Group offers significant opportunities for the growth of major film and television properties like “The Hunger Games.” The studio has also lined up stage adaptations of “La La Land,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Wonder” and more, in addition to a John Wick AAA mobile game and branded attractions.

“’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. We are honored to bring its powerful story, characters and world to the stage in this latest exciting chapter,” said Lionsgate EVP and Head of Global Products and Experiences Jenefer Brown.

The Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre is purpose-built to host the world premiere of the stage adaptation of “The Hunger Games,” where spectators will feel like a part of the action in a dynamic in the round venue.

“Bringing ‘The Hunger Games’ to the stage is an extraordinary moment, and we knew it demanded an equally extraordinary team and venue. This specially designed theatre is the perfect home for Panem, allowing our world class team to create a transportive, electrifying experience that fully captures the scale, intensity, and spectacle of Suzanne Collins’ world,” said Troubadour Theatres joint CEOs and founders Tristan Baker and Oliver Royds. “Every element — from the staging to the technology — has been tailored to transport audiences right into the heart of the Games like never before.”

“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 will go on sale at 1 p.m. GMT on March 27.

Watch a behind-the-scenes first look: