Hunger Games: On Stage debuted at the Canary Wharf Theatre in October 2025. Based on the highly acclaimed book series by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is jumping from the page onto the stage 17 years after the first book was released, following suit of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson that have both been adapted in recent years.
The show is a theatrical adaptation of the first novel, set in a dystopian future in the nation of Panem. The story follows Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the annual “Hunger Games”. The core story and plot largely stay the same while the theatrical space is being used more effectively. The play’s in-the-round staging immerses the audience—seated in “district” sections—and features stunts and special effects that reflect the novel’s physical, action-driven nature.
While the production itself has been praised for its strong physical staging and set design, it has also faced a large amount of backlash. Most of the negativity around this show stems from accessibility issues, for example, the previews of the show have been described as “chaotic” and “messy” because of organisational and venue issues. The show was reported as starting late and parts of the venue were flagged as being unfinished.
Most importantly, the production has been criticised because of its inability to adapt for viewers with disabilities. During the first week of the show being open, there were multiple documented complaints about the venue not being wheelchair accessible with many wheelchair-users complaining about poor views and faulty facilities. For example, content creator, Sophie-Jayne Butler made a post to her TikTok account on the opening night of the show, in which she said she had left the theatre before the show started and claimed a refund on her ticket because her seat in the venue “wasn’t accessible”.
These accessibility issues have led to growing concerns about the theatre’s readiness to host large-scale productions and its commitment to inclusivity.
The Canary Wharf Theatre opened in Autumn this year, with Hunger Games: On Stage being the first production to ever be performed there. The fact that both the theatre and production are brand new has raised concerns among theatre-goers with accessibility needs about what the future of theatre may hold for them.
In general, London’s West End has made improvements over the last decade to make their shows more accessible to more people, including audio described and BSL-signed performances and sensory viewings. London’s West End has improved access for people with invisible disabilities through adapted performances, digital access tools, detailed venue information, and access booking schemes. For example, both West End productions The Lion King and Wicked offer relaxed and autism friendly performances in partnership with National Autistic Society, providing quiet spaces and adjusting the lighting and sound.
For physically disabled audience members, further improvements, including step-free access, wheelchair spaces and dedicated access teams, have become more standard over the last decade, though many venues still face structural limitations due to historic buildings. The West End and theatre in general have a long way to go to make it more available for the physically disabled, by providing more adequate seating and providing more comprehensive training to theatre staff so they can provide more support to all audience member that require it.
Many UK charity organisations are working towards making theatre more accessible for people with physical disabilities, including VocalEyes, Shape Arts and Friendly Access. But the biggest in the UK is Attitude is Everything, a disability-led charity developing UK-wide accessibility standards for theatres, galleries and other cultural venues.
Attitude is Everything, founded in 2000 to tackle accessibility barriers at live events, has grown into a UK charity promoting full inclusion for disabled audiences, artists, and professionals. Starting with the Charter of Best Practice and venue audits, it expanded through grants and programmes for grassroots venues and artists, adapting during COVID‑19 to support accessible reopening. Today, it continues to champion equal access and opportunities across live music and theatre.
Ensuring that theatre is accessible to all not only enriches the cultural experience but also reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equality across the arts.
Words by Gemma McDonald
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