In conversation with Mia Carragher - the leading star of London’s Hunger Games on stage.
How did you prepare for the role, both emotionally and physically? Was there anything particularly demanding?
Before rehearsals, I don’t think I realized how intense it was going to be! Once in rehearsals the training started with heavy combat training needed for all the crazy fight scenes, and lots of circuits to get our stamina up. The fight scenes are very demanding moments in the show as there is a lot to think about, us as actors keeping safe but also making it look dangerous and intense to the audience. I also did some archery training before rehearsals which came in handy because yes, I actually shoot arrows in the play, all very safe of course!
How do you keep the character fresh and emotionally real for every performance?
This is something that has been on my mind a lot recently. We are about 100 performances into our run with many more to go. What’s so great, is that now the material is so in my body and a lot of the play is muscle memory, we have the opportunity to play with our characters and grow on our connections. The more emotional moments can be difficult sometimes, but it’s really helped me hone in on my skills and techniques I’ve learnt, especially the work I did at Lee Strasberg in New York.
How is performing Hunger Games on stage different from what people might expect from the film or book versions?
I think the fact this is a stage production already makes it so different from the film and book. I always say I think it’s a great way for someone to be introduced to the Hunger Games world. If you have read the books or watched the films, this is another version to the story that so many people love! I think a really lovely touch is that the stage version is narrated by Katniss similar to the book. Also, the audience essentially play the role of the Capitol and can get really involved, especially in the Flickerman chat show. The show is super immersive with the audience.
Do you have any pre-show rituals before going on stage?
As a cast we all sing a pasta song!! At the five-minute call in the corridor, and most of the time a different person will lead each night. I begin the play substage and I always do 10 squats, 5 press ups and a triple pirouette. I have no idea where this came from, but usually always do it with my friend Mark and it’s our little ritual.
What part of this experience will you carry into your next
role?
I think the dedication and energy I have put into this role has set a level for me. It’s something I want to take into everything I do and never give anything any less dedication no matter if the role is less demanding physically as I’m sure every role has its own challenges.
What do you think younger-you would think about you
playing the role of Katniss Everdeen?
Maybe that I’m really cool, I hope. Honestly, it really is a dream role. As a kid I always wanted to do something where I could use all my skills, dance, acting, singing and in this I definitely can and have learnt even more skills!
Was there a role that quietly prepared you for Hunger Games, even if you didn’t realise it at the time?
I don’t think there was a role, but strangely I think everything I have done or trained for has led me to this moment and this role. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. This is my debut performance, and I couldn’t have asked for a better show, character, or company for my debut!
How did the play evolve from the first rehearsal to opening
night?
A lot changed, it was long days and very quick thinking whilst in previews. One of the biggest changes was the beginning! We came into rehearsals one day and completely changed the beginning having just performed it that night. It used to begin with all the tribute’s rising up onto stage performing a nightmare sequence, and now it starts with Katniss on her own. Lots of line were chopped and switched around, we’d remove things and then add them back in the next night without much rehearsal. It was a great learning experience for me and required a lot of trusting the team around me that these choices were for the best, and I think they were!
What moment on stage demands the most from you?
Definitely the beginning of Act 2 where the games begin as it kicks off with a massive combat fight scene intertwined with movement sequences and a lot of running. When we first did this part, I was exhausted and couldn’t imagine being okay after performing every night. But as time went on, my body is so used to it that now I’m nowhere near as physically tired.
When the lights go down on this play for the last time, what do you hope stays with you?
First of all, I think I will be very sad on the last performance to leave such an amazing role and for the cast as we have been such a team with this being a brand-new play and performing in a new venue. I hope I never forget or downplay the feeling of performing to that many people every night and never take it for granted.
Photography: Bartek Szmigulski
Styling: Adele Cany
Make up: Sara Hill
Hair: Patrick Wilson