London's upcoming Hunger Games stage play has found its Katness Everdeen, and may the odds be ever in her favor. Film actor Mia Carragher will take on the dystopian heroine, with performances of the Conor McPherson play set to begin October 20 at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre. The venue is a purpose-built, in-the-round theatre designed expressly for the upcoming production.
Carragher is a 2022 graduate of Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, with past appearances including the indie film One Night in Istanbul and The Gathering. She's set to star in the upcoming series Maigret, and a feature film titled Let's Love.
“We searched far and wide, and comprehensively, for our Katniss," says director Matthew Dunster in a statement. "It is not easy to step into Suzanne Collins’s amazing creation and only one actor combined Katniss’s charisma and combat skills—her quiet, tough determination and her brilliant creativity, athleticism, and humor. We’ve found our Katniss in Mia Carragher, and we can’t wait for audiences to see her.”
“I am so excited and honored to be playing Katniss," adds Carragher. "This is a dream-come-true role and I cannot wait to see the production come to life. From being a huge fan of the films, I feel so lucky to be a part of the Hunger Games world, especially working with Mathew Dunster and an incredible creative team."
The project was first unveiled in 2023, and was initially expected to premiere last fall. Dunster (Hangmen) is directing, leading a creative team that includes set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Moi Tran, choreographer Charlotte Broom, lighting designer Lucy Carter, sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph, video designer Tal Rosner, illusion designer Chris Fisher, fight director Kev McCurdy, and arranger, music director, and additional composer James Maloney. Suspended Illusions will handle performer flying, and casting is by Amy Ball.
The play is adapted from the first in Suzanne Collins' epic book series, initially published in 2008, and its 2012 film version. The dystopian series is in a future in which children from poverty-stricken districts are selected via a lottery to participate in a televised death match. Everything is thrown into disarray when Katniss Everdeen is chosen as tribute from her district and rises to become the head of a new rebellion.
"I’m thrilled that The Hunger Games is in the hands of gifted playwright Conor McPherson and accomplished director Matthew Dunster," said Collins in a previous statement. "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."
Oliver Royds, Tristan Baker & Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David, and Umeda Arts Theater are producing, by arrangement with Lionsgate.
The play will be the latest attempt to bring an action-adventure book series to the stage, following Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Lord of the Rings the Musical, and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, among others. While action has typically been difficult to bring to the live stage, the worldwide success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, in particular, is likely inspiring similar efforts from other such properties.
Visit TheHungerGamesOnStage.com for tickets.
