Former Coronation Street actor Daniel Brocklebank has joined the cast of The Hunger Games: On Stage.

The 46-year-old will play Caesar Flickerman in the play’s second year at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, where he will be joined by former EastEnders actor, Neil McDermott, who will play Haymitch Abernathy.

Brocklebank said: “It’s an absolute honour to be joining the cast as Caesar Flickerman and I’m very much looking forward to being part of such an exciting cinematic yet theatrical experience.

“I was a fan of the books, and then later the films, for many years. I look forward to putting my spin on him. Plus, I’ve always thought I’d look fabulous with blue hair.

“It’s very different from any of the many stage productions I’ve done over the last 30 years so this is an exciting string to add to my bow. Although Caesar doesn’t use a bow of course, I’ll be leaving that to Katniss.”

Other actors joining the cast for its second year include Elizabeth Anderson as Katniss Everdeen, 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, and Theo Ogundipe as Cinna.

McDermott added: “I’m delighted to be joining The Hunger Games: On Stage family and the world of Panem.

“It’s thrilling to be trusted with the responsibility of playing Haymitch, particularly in a year where the next installment of the film franchise focusing on Haymitch’s backstory is set to release in cinemas.

“The Hunger Games is epic – an emotional rollercoaster about survival while also becoming a symbol for change. May the odds be ever in my favour.”

The play is based on the Suzanne Collins book and hit film of the same name, which has gone on to spawn five films, with a sixth movie, The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping, set to be released in November.

The new cast will begin on October 23, with tickets on sale from the production’s website.