The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has revealed plans for the world premiere of Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a brand-new stage adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s iconic fantasy novels. The play is adapted by acclaimed playwright Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, promising a dramatic exploration of Westeros long before the events of the celebrated television series.
A Westerosi Epic Comes to the Stage
Game of Thrones: The Mad King will debut at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in Summer 2026. Priority booking opens on 14 April 2026, with public ticket sales to be confirmed later in April. Fans can gain early access by becoming an RSC member. Full details of the RSC 2026 season will be announced on 26 February 2026.
Set in the years leading up to the events of Game of Thrones, the story unfolds as a long winter thaws in Harrenhal. Amid lavish tournaments and feasts, political tension simmers as dissenters conspire against the ruthless Mad King. Themes of family loyalty, prophecy, and the fight for the line of succession take centre stage in this epic prequel, where every alliance and betrayal could decide the fate of the realm.
As Macmillan and Cooke describe it, “George’s storytelling is Shakespearean in its scale and themes—dynastic struggle, ambition, rebellion, madness, prophecy, ill-fated love… The RSC feels like a natural home for such a story.”
George R. R. Martin’s Take on the Stage Adaptation
George R. R. Martin, creator of A Song of Ice and Fire, expressed his excitement for the stage adaptation:
“Theatre offers something unique—a place for my imagination and the audience’s imagination to meet and hopefully create something magical. The RSC was the obvious choice, as Shakespeare faced similar challenges in bringing epic battles to life on stage.”
Martin’s involvement ensures the play stays true to the complex, morally layered world that fans of the novels and HBO series have come to love. The stage adaptation promises to introduce both familiar characters from Houses Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Martell, as well as the dramatic events that shaped Westeros before the main series.
A Creative Team Steeped in Theatre Excellence
Duncan Macmillan, known for plays such as Every Brilliant Thing and his adaptation of 1984, brings his mastery of narrative depth and emotional resonance to the adaptation.
Dominic Cooke, incoming Artistic Director of London’s Almeida Theatre, directs this ambitious production. Cooke’s extensive experience includes work at the Royal Court Theatre, the National Theatre, and multiple West End productions, making him well-suited to bring this epic fantasy to life on stage.
RSC Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey highlighted the synergy between Martin’s world and Shakespearean history plays:
“Stories of power, ambition, and the complexities of succession are evergreen. This adaptation explores authority and identity while remaining emotionally grounded.”
Production and Partnerships
Game of Thrones: The Mad King is co-produced with Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, Mark Manuel, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures on behalf of HBO, and Access Entertainment, led by Sir Leonard Blavatnik and Danny Cohen.
Fans of theatre and fantasy alike can anticipate a production that balances epic spectacle with intimate storytelling, a hallmark of RSC’s most celebrated works.
For more information on the RSC and to explore their full programme, visit their official website.
