The Royal Shakespeare Company's stage production of Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a prequel to HBO's hit series, is set to return in London in 2027. The play, which concluded its sold-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon, will make its way to the capital for a wider audience.
George R.R. Martin, creator of Game of Thrones, announced the upcoming London production on his blog. "I had a splendid time in Stratford-upon-Avon for the premiere of Duncan Macmillan and Dominic Cooke’s epic new stage production of Game of Thrones: The Mad King," Martin stated, "and furthermore, I’m thrilled to announce that the production will be moving on to London to share the experience with a wider audience."
Specific venue and dates for the London engagement have yet to be revealed, and casting details are also pending confirmation. The play is directed by Dominic Cooke and written by Duncan Macmillan, known for his work on Every Brilliant Thing.
About The Mad King
The stage play explores events preceding HBO's Game of Thrones, which was adapted from Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels. The narrative centers on the period leading up to Robert's Rebellion, including the jousting tournament at Harrenhal. Key characters featured are younger iterations of figures such as Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon, alongside historical figures like Lyanna Stark, Rhaegar Targaryen, and the Mad King himself. A significant focus of the plot is the romance between Rhaegar and Lyanna, a relationship that ultimately results in the birth of Jon Snow.
Critics have praised the production's innovative use of puppetry, particularly in its depiction of the jousting sequences. In a review, it was noted that the play, when judged on its own merits, can be considered a "masterpiece of pure Shakespearean art," distinct from the television series. Fans of the Game of Thrones universe or theatrical drama are encouraged to await further announcements regarding the London production.