The Hunger Games stage adaptation is branded ‘a shambles’ as fans complain show started an hour late and finished at ’11:45pm’ after facing long queues to enter the brand-new venue

The play, which stars John Malkovish in the villainous role of President Snow, opened at London’s specially-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, and is based on the acclaimed young adult novel series by Suzanne Collins.

And while many fans were no doubt excited to see this new take on the famous books, some were left unimpressed as they complained the preview was hit by lengthy delays.

Footage shared on TikTok showed spectators queuing outside the theatre at 7:30pm, when the show was due to start, with some posting it eventually started an hour late.

Many then moaned that due to the three-hour run time and interval, this meant they didn’t exit the venue until 11:45pm.

Despite this, some fans admitted they still enjoyed the show, with several taking to social media to praise its take on the famous tale of Panem. 

One video showed the long queue of fans waiting to enter the theatre, alongside the caption: ‘When the hunger games on stage starts at 7:30 and this is the line at 7:29.’

Posts on X included: ‘The Hunger Games live on stage start time: 8:30. Interval: 10pm End of show: 11:45pm. That’s 3h15 running time for the first preview;

‘Well the first preview of The Hunger Games on stage is a night I’m never going to forget;

‘Everyone just complaining about the hunger games stage show;

‘And even leaving The Hunger Games stage show is a mess with ONE STAIRCASE;

‘Someone just called The Hunger Games stage show theatre the co-op live of theatres LMFAO;

‘Literally tf do you mean they’re still building the theatre 15 minutes before the doors are meant to open;

‘Everyone who survived the first preview of The Hunger Games, we need a support group;

‘First preview attendees for the hunger games really did volunteer as tributes, huh.’

Some fans did share their enjoyment of the show, writing: ‘Had to leave The Hunger Games early, was actually enjoying it despite the shambles of getting into the venue

‘While the theatre was a nightmare, the hunger games on stage as a show was very good

‘Hunger Games on stage view from district 11 row A. Really good despite being called restricted view. The venue and organisation was messy but the play itself was amazing.’

Starring Mia Gallagher as Katniss Everdeen, the play follows the heroine’s story as she volunteers to take part in The Hunger Games, a tournament where children are selected from each of the 12 Districts for a fight to the death.

The show uses an immersive, in-the-round theater design, special effects, and stunts to bring the story of survival, courage, and defiance to life.

It also features veteran actor John Malokovich as the villainous President Snow, famously played by Donald Sutherland in the film series.

The film series featured Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, alongside Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mallark and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne.

Daily Mail has contacted a representative for the show for comment.