A group of pupils from Years 9–11 enjoyed an unforgettable trip to see The Hunger Games at the Troubadour Theatre in Canary Wharf.
Before the performance, pupils stopped at Big Easy for a meal, where they enjoyed delicious food and some very popular milkshakes. Spirits were high as everyone prepared for an exciting evening.
For some pupils, this was their very first experience of live theatre, and even those who had visited the theatre before had never seen anything quite like this production. The stage was set “in the round”, creating the atmosphere of a gladiator arena that perfectly suited the world of The Hunger Games.
Even before the performance began, the atmosphere inside the theatre was electric. Audience members entertained one another with Mexican waves and colourful phone light displays. Throughout the show, spectators were encouraged to support their district, helping to create an immersive experience that made everyone feel part of the action.
The production itself was truly spectacular. Sections of the seating moved, the stage opened up to reveal hidden tunnels, and entire sets emerged dramatically from beneath the floor. Secret entrances around the arena allowed actors to appear and disappear mysteriously, keeping audiences captivated throughout.
Large screens on either side of the stage featured Oscar-nominated actor John Malkovich in the role of the tyrannical President Coriolanus Snow. His chilling performance demonstrated the themes of power, control and manipulation that are central to the story. Pupils were able to reflect on how leaders use different methods to influence others and establish hierarchies, linking closely to themes explored in their English lessons.
The show was packed with breathtaking visual effects. One particularly memorable moment saw fire shooting from the back of a golden chariot as it soared through the air. Our pupils could even feel the heat from the flames, making the experience even more thrilling.
The performers amazed everyone with daring stunts involving wires, climbing ropes, scaling lighting rigs and staging fight scenes high above the audience. The production brought a story, familiar to pupils from their English classes, vividly to life.
This year, pupils have begun a new Performing Arts curriculum, and this trip provided a fantastic opportunity to introduce them to the world of live theatre. It sparked many thoughtful discussions about stagecraft, lighting, sound and performance techniques. One pupil innocently asked, “If they are dead, why are they walking off stage?” This led to some fascinating conversations about theatrical conventions and how directors create believable performances.
During the interval, one pupil simply turned and said, “Miss, this is amazing.” That comment perfectly captured the excitement and wonder felt throughout the evening.
The trip was a wonderful opportunity for pupils to experience the magic of live theatre and to see how stories studied in the classroom can be transformed into extraordinary performances on stage.