Full of twists and turns, the captivating ‘Game of Thrones’ is coming back once more. However, this time it’s not a new book or a TV series – it’s in the form of a theatre play. While we’re still not over how the original TV series ended, George R. R. Martin is set to be one of the executive producers and creators of the new stage adaptation.
‘Game of Thrones: The Mad King’ is a prequel play telling the tale of the dragon-riding Targarian tyrant, who was frequently mentioned in the original story. Directed by Dominic Cooke and adapted by Duncan McMillan, the Royal Shakespeare Company is behind the production.
As a result, the ‘Game of Thrones: The Mad King’ world premiere will take place in Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer of 2026. As expected, all the famous houses will come back to life on stage, including House Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon and Martell.
The synopsis of the show says: “A long winter thaws in Harrenhal, and spring is promised. At a lavish banquet on the eve of a jousting tournament, lovers meet, and revellers speculate about who will contend. But in the shadows, amid growing unease at the bloodthirsty actions of the realm’s merciless Mad King, dissenters from his inner circle anxiously advance a treasonous plot. Far away, the drums of battle sound.”
George R. R. Martin said: “When I first wrote ‘Game of Thrones,’ I never imagined that it would be anything other than a book. It was a place for my imagination to exist without limits. To my great surprise, it was adapted for a series and viewers have been able to enter the world of my imagination through the medium of television.”
“For my work to now be adapted for the stage is something I did not expect but welcome with great enthusiasm and excitement. Theater offers something unique. A place for mine and the audience’s imagination to meet and hopefully create something magical.”
“For me, the RSC was the obvious choice when thinking about putting a ‘Game of Thrones’ story on the stage. Shakespeare is the greatest name in English literature, and his plays have been a constant source of inspiration to me and my writing. Not only that, he faced similar challenges in how to put a battle on stage, so we are in good company.”
“It will be thrilling to watch the events of this new play unfold in a live environment. Duncan’s masterful script honours the world completely, and I am so excited for both fans of the series and perhaps people who have never picked up one of my books to experience this new story in a theater.”
“RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey drew a direct parallel between the play and Shakespeare’s own history cycles, describing the adaptation as exploring “the true nature of authority through the lens of young people grappling with inherited identities.”
When will the tickets for the ‘Game of Thrones: The Mad King’ be released?
Tickets are set to go on sale on April 14, and will be available on the RSC website.