The stage play "Game of Thrones: The Mad King" is set to transfer to London in 2027, following a successful sold-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon. Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin announced the upcoming West End production on his personal blog. He expressed his enjoyment of the play's premiere in Stratford-upon-Avon and his excitement for its move to the capital.
The production, directed by Dominic Cooke and written by Duncan Macmillan, serves as a prequel to HBO's "Game of Thrones" series and is based on Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels. The play primarily focuses on the events leading up to Robert's Rebellion, including the jousting tournament at Harrenhal. It features younger iterations of established characters such as Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon, alongside figures like Lyanna Stark, Rhaegar Targaryen, and the Mad King himself.
A central element of the narrative is the romantic relationship between Rhaegar and Lyanna, a plotline significant for its role in the eventual birth of Jon Snow. The Royal Shakespeare Company's production incorporates elaborate puppetry, particularly in its depiction of the jousting sequences. A review of the play noted its strengths, suggesting that "it’s hard to point to anything particularly uninspiring about The Mad King that stems from its own flaws." The review also advised that the stage play is best appreciated on its own merits, separate from the television series.
Details regarding the specific venue, dates, and casting for the London production have not yet been released. Fans of the play and the "Game of Thrones" franchise are awaiting further announcements.