“A fully immersive explosion of the senses “
**** 4 Stars
Remarkably it’s been 18 years since Suzanne Collins seminal and generation defining book “The Hunger Games” was published and during the two-decade period there have been four further books in the series encompassing the original trilogy and two prequels. There are also the major motion picture adaptions starting in 2012 with Jennifer Lawrence playing Katness Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark the story lead protagonists.
Could such a viral and evolving world ever work on stage? Well since the arrival of one of London’s newest and be far most immersive theatrical spaces created by the team at Troubadour, who have developed their newest theatre space in the heart of Canary Wharf, its time to find out! and my word do they deliver a fully immersive explosion of the senses!
Adapted from the original book and the first motion picture by Connor McPherson, Directed by Matthew Dunster and with Choreography by Charlotte Broom this is a production which puts ensemble event theatre at its heart while the staging and effects are incredible the trade-off is a loss of intimacy with the characters especially with Katness Everdeen performed by Mia Carragher while Carragher performs the role well she also acts as the show narrator and leaves the role with more two dimensional effect than a fully rounded character which leaves the audiences wishing the character showed just a tad more emotional depth and range. That said her spark with Euan Garrett as Peeta Mellark is as palpable as it is emotional and true credit to both performers, they carry a huge show on the shoulders with real depth and talent.
This really is ensemble theatre at its best the 28 strong company are fully committed and shine in what must be the most physically demanding productions in London. It is a workout of physical endurance and there are moments of sheer gravity defying choreography by Charlotte Broom especially in the sequence the cast are glued to the floor yet defy all sense of balance in a uniquely beguiling moment.
Production wise this is a triumph that’s only achievable with the venue being built to specially hold the show. Miriam Buether’s auditorium design is fully immersive to the point that some districts (seating banks) move during the show allowing audience members to view some scenes in the round and others in traverse a beautiful touch from director Matthew Dunster that allows the story to flow across the arena. Lucy Carter’s lighting design is one of pure beauty on an epic scale matched by Ian Dickinsons exquisite sound design. Tal Rosner’s video design is inspired and allows for the inclusion of John Malkovich as President Snow to work without overpowering the story or the performers on stage. The show is one of pure awe-inspiring magic thanks to Chris Fisher’s Illusion design, Kev McCurdy’s fight direction and John Maddox’s incredible work on performer flying and special effects.
Special mention must go to Moi Tran’s costume design its lush, futuristic, gorgeous and knocks the eye out whilst bringing the world of Panem to life and will prove to be an award winner. The same is true of JJ Wigs, wig, hair and make up design.
The Hunger Games on Stage really does deliver the ultimate immersive theatre experience that captures the audience from the moment the curtain rises and doesn’t let go for the next two and half hours. This is a show which will please the ardent fans alongside those discovering Panem for the first time.
This is theatre that lasts in memory long after you have seen it and reminds us that with creative endeavour just how good live theatre can be and the Troubadour Canary Wharf has set the barrier high! So why not head to the heart of London’s financial district and discover the power of Panem for yourself! It really is unmissable!
The Hunger Games on Stage, Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, for more information and tickets go to: The Hunger Games: On Stage | London Stage Show | Official Site
ScotsGay Arts 