GEORGE R. R. MARTIN’S GAME OF THRONES: THE MAD KING OPENS AT THE RSC

George R. R. Martin’s iconic world makes its world premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in a bold new stage epic.

Photo Credit: (c) Johan Persson

The world of Westeros has arrived on stage as the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), alongside its co-producers, opened the world premiere of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon last night.

Based on the novels by George R. R. Martin, the highly anticipated new production is adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, bringing one of the world’s most celebrated fantasy universes to the stage for the first time.

A sweeping new drama set in the final years before the events of the novels, The Mad King explores a pivotal period in Westeros history, bringing together many of the characters, families and conflicts that would ultimately shape the story of Game of Thrones. At its centre is King Aerys II Targaryen, whose increasingly volatile rule sets the stage for the events to come.

Photo Credit: (c) Johan Persson

The world premiere was attended by George R. R. Martin, creator and Executive Producer of Game of Thrones, with the production receiving a standing ovation from the audience. Martin joined the cast and creative team at a post-show reception, congratulating them on bringing his world to the stage.

Also attending were familiar faces from the Game of Thrones universe, including Bertie Carvel, Sibil Kekilli and Anton Lesser, alongside RSC friends Lolita Chakrabarti and Ben Miles.

The production brings a distinctly theatrical approach to the mythology of Westeros, combining live performance with puppetry and movement to create its expansive world. The cast features Michael Shaeffer as King Aerys II Targaryen, Noah Ritter as Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Harmony Rose-Bremner as Lyanna Stark, Michael Abubakar as Eddard Stark, Hughie O’Donnell as Lord Varys, Daniel Hawksford as Ser Barristan Selmy and Callum Woodhouse as Lord Robert Baratheon, alongside a large ensemble.

With its ambitious scale, intricate design and physical storytelling, the production brings together an extensive creative team led by Cooke and Macmillan. Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell (Lume) oversee Puppetry and Movement, with Chloe Lamford designing the set, Georgia McGuinness the costumes, Jon Clark the lighting, Will Stuart the music and Tom Gibbons the sound.

Photo Credit: (c) Johan Persson

The production marks a significant theatrical expansion of Martin’s acclaimed fantasy universe, offering audiences a new perspective on the history behind the stories they know. Rather than revisiting the events of the television series, The Mad King delves into the tensions, relationships and power struggles that defined the generation before the novels begin.

The production's central idea is captured in the line: “Wars aren’t won by those with most cause, but whose story’s best told.”

For fans of Game of Thrones, fantasy and ambitious theatre, George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King offers the chance to see Westeros reimagined through the language of live performance, with the scale of Martin’s world meeting the storytelling traditions of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until 5 September 2026.

Tickets are available here