‘Game of Thrones’ Expands Again With a Brand New Prequel Play Coming This Summer
The Game of Thrones universe is expanding beyond the screen and onto the stage this summer, and fans around the world are paying attention.
On April 2, the Royal Shakespeare Company took to Facebook with an announcement many GoT enthusiasts have been waiting for.
“A long winter thaws in Harrenhal, and spring is promised…” the theatre wrote.
The post confirmed that George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King — a new prequel play — will debut July 20 and continue through Sept. 5 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The official opening night is Aug. 8.
Public booking opens April 22 at 10 a.m., with priority booking for members starting April 14 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 added in the announcement.
What the ‘Game of Thrones’ Play Is About
The play dives into a chapter of Westeros history that the original series only referenced — the war between Robert Baratheon and Aerys II Targaryen, the so-called Mad King.
As many fans remember, Season 1 of the hit Max show is based on the first novel in Martin’s series A Song of Ice and Fire, titled A Game of Thrones, published in 1996.
At the start of that series, Robert Baratheon (played by Mark Addy) possesses the Iron Throne after a war between him and Aerys II Targaryen (David Rintoul).
Targaryen is the “Mad King” in the play’s title. He is also father to Daenerys (Emilia Clarke).
The conflict was triggered when the Mad King’s son, Rhaegar Targaryen (Wilf Scolding), seemingly abducted Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi), who was betrothed to Robert Baratheon.
The new play is a prequel to these events, set a decade before the events of the first novel and Season 1 of the show. That means it will detail the war between Baratheon and Targaryen.
“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 said of the plot.
George R.R. Martin Shares His Initial Excitement
George R. R. Martin himself has spoken about why this particular theatre was the right home for the story.
“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
.“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.
A Cross-Shaped Stage and a Stacked Creative Team
The production promises a unique theatrical experience.
“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 announcement post read. The theatre is located on the town’s waterfront.
The creative team behind the play is extensive. The script was adapted by Duncan Macmillan, with direction from Dominic Cooke.
Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell of Lume are handling puppetry and movement, while Chloe Lamford serves as set designer and Georgia McGuinness as costume designer.
Jon Clark is the lighting designer, Will Stuart is the composer and Tom Gibbons is the sound designer.
No cast has been announced yet.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
