The Hunger Games: On Stage new cast takes over at Canary Wharf from 23 October

The Hunger Games: On Stage is starting its second year at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre with a new company. Elizabeth Anderson takes over as Katniss Everdeen from the matinee at 2.30pm on Friday 23 October 2026, and two familiar faces from British soap operas join her in the arena.

Neil McDermott, known to EastEnders viewers, plays Haymitch Abernathy, the former victor who mentors Katniss and Peeta. Daniel Brocklebank, from Coronation Street, plays Caesar Flickerman, the grinning television host who interviews each tribute before the Games begin.

Who is in the new Hunger Games cast?

Alongside Elizabeth Anderson as Katniss, the new principal line-up is:

• Vinnie Copeland as Peeta Mellark
• Nathan Stokes as Gale Hawthorne
• Daisy Statham as Prim
• Alix Dunmore as Mrs Everdeen
• Isabel Della-Porta as Effie Trinket
• Theo Ogundipe as Cinna
• Neil McDermott as Haymitch Abernathy
• Daniel Brocklebank as Caesar Flickerman

John Malkovich stays on as President Snow, appearing on screen as he has done since the show opened.

Returning and new tributes

Several performers stay with the show into its second year. Aiya Agustin returns as Rue, Geo Bailey as Tippet and Alexandra Barredo as Fossa, with Jessica Daugirda and Luca Moscardini back as offstage swings.

Joining them are Jason Battersby as Cato, Myla Carmen as Clove, Archie Durrant as Stele, Montel Morrison as Thresh, Jhanaica van Mook as Glimmer, Lewis Renninson as Drove, Jake Scott Newton as Marvel and Hamish Skeoch as Fila. Joseph Lukehurst and Emma Shannon are the onstage swings, while Xanthe Gibson is an offstage swing and alternate Katniss. Jesse Chidera, Elliot Copeland, Maria Goodman, Florence Russell and Rhodri Watkins complete the group as offstage swings.

When does the current cast finish?

The current cast plays its final performance on 18 October 2026, and the new line-up opens with the Friday matinee on 23 October.

What is the show like?

Adapted by Conor McPherson from the first novel in Suzanne Collins' series and directed by Matthew Dunster, the show follows Katniss as she volunteers in place of her younger sister and is thrown into a televised fight for survival. It is staged in the round in a purpose-built theatre at Canary Wharf, so the action plays out in the middle of the audience rather than behind a proscenium arch.

The running time is about 2 hours 30 minutes, including one interval. The recommended age is 12 and over, because of violence and dark themes.

Why this cast change matters

A new Katniss is a big moment for any version of this story, and the arrival of two well known television actors gives fans of EastEnders and Coronation Street a fresh reason to make the trip to east London. For anyone who saw the show in its opening year, the new company is a chance to see the arena story again with different performers in the central roles.

Performances run with matinees and evening shows, and you can choose seats on every side of the arena.

For dates and tickets, see The Hunger Games: On Stage at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre.

Header photo: Johan Persson.