‘Game of Thrones: The Mad King’ — What We Know About the New Royal Shakespeare Play
The Game of Thrones universe is expanding to the stage.
The Royal Shakespeare Company announced on April 2 that Game of Thrones: The Mad King — a new prequel play set in George R.R. Martin’s world — will debut at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer.
Priority booking opens April 14, 2026, and public ticket sales begin April 22. With demand expected to be high, here is what fans need to know.
What Is ‘Game of Thrones: The Mad King’ About?
The play is set a decade before the events of Martin’s first novel, “A Game of Thrones,” and Season 1 of the television series. It will detail the conflict between Robert Baratheon and Aerys II Targaryen — the “Mad King” of the title and father to Daenerys Targaryen.
That war was triggered when the Mad King’s son, Rhaegar Targaryen, seemingly abducted Lyanna Stark, who was betrothed to Robert Baratheon.
“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,” the RSC’s announcement read.
“Family bonds, ancient prophecies, and the sacred line of succession will be tested in a dangerous campaign for power. Who will survive? Who will rise?” the announcement continued.
Who Wrote and Directed ‘Game of Thrones: The Mad King?’
The play was adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke.
The creative team includes set designer Chloe Lamford, costume designer Georgia McGuinness and composer Will Stuart. Puppetry and movement is led by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell.
No cast has been announced yet.
When and Where to See the ‘Game of Thrones’ Play
Performances run July 20 through Sept. 5, 2026, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. The official opening night is Aug. 8.
“In a bold new configuration of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, this show will play on a cross shaped stage – you’ll be in the heart of the action,” the company wrote on Facebook.
How to Get Tickets for ‘Game of Thrones: The Mad King’
Priority and member booking opens April 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. General public booking opens April 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. Early access is available by becoming an RSC member at rsc.org.uk/join.
“Due to expected high demand, tickets are limited to 4 per person,” the theatre said.
Where the Play Fits In the Broader ‘Game of Thrones’ Universe
The original HBO series ran for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019 and won 59 Emmy Awards.
The franchise has since expanded with prequels “House of the Dragon” and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” with additional projects still in development.
What Has George R.R. Martin Said About the Play?
Martin discussed his choice of theatre company in February.
“When I first wrote Game of Thrones, I never imagined that it would be anything other than a book,” he said in February, per Entertainment Weekly. “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.”
He went on to say that theatre offers “something unique” and gives him a place for his and the audience’s “imagination to meet and hopefully create something magical.”
He also described the RSC as the “obvious choice” for the play.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he continued.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
