Rising star Elizabeth Anderson on entering 'The Hunger Games' arena

The actor now starring as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: On Stage traces her journey from South London to the centre of Panem — and explains why honesty, resilience, and a willingness to use fear have guided her along the way.

Summary

• Elizabeth Anderson stars as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: On Stage
• Her character volunteers to take part in the brutal Hunger Games, in which 24 tributes fight to the death in a state-sanctioned bloodbath
• The next film in the franchise — The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping — is released in cinemas this month

A recent Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate, Elizabeth Anderson is part of the second company of actors starring in the stage adaptation of The Hunger Games. As Anderson enters the arena as Katniss Everdeen (a role made famous on screen by Jennifer Lawrence) she catches up with London Theatre Magazine about getting her start in the industry and how she is approaching her character.

Book The Hunger Games: On Stage tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

How did you get started in acting?
From primary school, I was that very enthusiastic young kid who wanted to be involved in everything. I’m quite fiery — and a little bit bossy — so even then I had ideas about how things should be done. My mum is an English teacher and a massive influence. Growing up in South London, I was exposed to theatre and literature very young. Ours was a house of books, discussion, and opinion — whether we wanted it or not! My school also really valued the arts. But I didn’t get into my Year 12 show, and it broke me. Looking back, it was really good for me. I asked a teacher directing a younger production, “Can I be your assistant director?” That’s how I approach things: I want to do this, so how can I immerse myself? I studied English literature and film at Bristol. A production of Romeo and Juliet led to an agent, then a master’s in Scotland. Now I’m here.

Do you remember the first show you saw?
My eldest brother, Tom, played Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at school when he was in Year 6. I thought he was the coolest person alive. I watched the recording repeatedly — especially the Pyramus and Thisbe scene. The first professional production I remember was Of Mice and Men, when I was eight or nine. I left the theatre sobbing. Its emotional force stayed with me.

What was it like to be cast as Katniss?
At first, I had imposter syndrome: “How is this happening? This is crazy.” I trained more in classical acting, so I never imagined playing Katniss. The Hunger Games was massive in our house — we watched the films, and I read the trilogy young. The franchise felt so huge and distant. I never thought I’d play her. There is pressure because Jennifer Lawrence is Katniss in people’s minds. But I see bits of myself in her. She’s blunt and direct; there’s no BS with her, really. That gives me a way in.

How do you approach a character on this scale?
For me, acting has to have emotional truth; otherwise, it isn’t authentic. The easiest way for me to find that is to relate to the character and protect them at all costs. It’s such a technical show: archery, flying, physical work, and keeping yourself safe. You can be amazing at the movement, but without honesty underneath, the performance won’t work. The challenge is getting the technical work into your body and finding your own truth within it.

Does performing in an arena add to that pressure?
The first time I walked into the theatre, I was daunted. It’s an arena; it’s insane. But Katniss is also thrown into this massive thing where everyone is watching her. I understand that sense of, “Oh my God, how is this happening?” Once I made that connection, I thought: amazing — use it. The thing that initially felt overwhelming became useful.

Who has supported you along the way?
My family, my partner, and my friends. My dad died about a year ago, so I carry him with me too. This industry is gruelling. I had 60 auditions this year and landed two. How lucky am I? But you need a thick skin. After drama school, I worked nights in a bar and days in a café. I couldn’t keep two jobs and audition, so my family said, “We’ll cover your back.” They read lines with me, though they aren’t actors. I couldn’t have got this job without them.

Book The Hunger Games: On Stage tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

This article first appeared in the November 2026 issue of London Theatre Magazine.

Photo credit: Elizabeth Anderson in rehearsals. (Photo by Danny Kaan)