Game of Thrones: The Mad King
| Game of Thrones: The Mad King | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Written by | Duncan Macmillan |
| Based on | |
| Genre | |
| Premiere | |
| Date | 8 August 2026 |
| Place | Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon |
| Directed by | |
Game of Thrones: The Mad King (also marketed as George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones: The Mad King) is a stage play by Duncan Macmillan. It is an adapted prequel to the epic high fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin.
Production
On 18 February 2026, it was announced that the play would be presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company, with its world premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, directed by Dominic Cooke. Full casting was announced on 29 May 2026.[1]
Previews were scheduled to begin on 20 July 2026, however the first weeks previews were cancelled,[2] one with just a few hours notice.[3] The opening night is scheduled for 8 August, running until 5 September.[4][5][6]
The play is set 10 years before A Game of Thrones,[7] amidst a tournament at Harrenhal. Members of the inner circle of the titular "Mad King", Aerys II, plot against him, as fears grow about his accelerating ruthlessness.[8]
Cast and characters
| Character | Stratford-upon-Avon |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| King Aerys II "The Mad King" Targaryen | Michael Shaeffer |
| Prince Rhaegar Targaryen | Noah Ritter |
| Lord Robert Baratheon | Callum Woodhouse |
| Eddard Stark | Michael Abubakar |
| Lyanna Stark | Harmony Rose-Bremner |
| Queen Rhaella Targaryen / Lady Shella Whent | Mariah Gale |
| Cersei Lannister / Golda Whent | Daisy Franks |
| Brandon Stark | Luke Brady |
| Ser Jaime Lannister | Maxim Ays |
| Catelyn Stark | Marty Breen |
| Lord Varys | Hughie O’Donnell |
| Ser Jonothor Darry / Lord Tywin Lannister | Marcello Walton |
| Lord Rickard Stark | Alexander Newland |
| Prince Oberyn Martell | Edem-Ita Duke |
| Princess Elia Martell | Elizabeth Ayodele |
| Ashara Dayne | Tanisha Spring |
| Ser Arthur Dayne | Kel Matsena |
| Ser Gerold Hightower | Shaun Yusuf McKee |
| Ser Barristan Selmy | Daniel Hawksford |
| Grand Maester Pycelle | Richard Hansell |
| Lord Whent / Wisdom Rossart | Tom Larkin |
| Benjen Stark | Miles Barrow |
| Howland Reed | Islam Bouakkaz |
| Ser Oswell Whent | Huw Parmenter |
| Prince Lewyn Martell | Adrian Christopher |
| Yoren | Lewis Howard |
| Owen Merryweather | Sebastian Charles |
| Qarlton Chelsted | Fred Davis |
References
- ↑ Barnaby, Julianna (2026-05-29). "Full cast announced for Game of Thrones: The Mad King at RSC | West End Theatre". Retrieved 2026-06-16.
- ↑ "'Game of Thrones' Play 'The Mad King' Still Set to Open Next Month Despite Canceling Previews". variety.com. Variety. 24 July 2026. Retrieved 25 July 2026.
- ↑ "Game of Thrones stage play's first preview cancelled with hours' notice". whatsonstage.com. Whats On Stage. 25 July 2026. Retrieved 25 July 2026.
- ↑ Bamigboye, Baz (2026-02-18). "Breaking Baz: 'Game Of Thrones' Heads To The Royal Shakespeare Company Stage This Summer For New Adventures From Westeros". Deadline. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
- ↑ "Game of Thrones: Prequel play The Mad King to open in Stratford-Upon-Avon this summer". BBC News. 2026-02-18. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
- ↑ Hibberd, James (2026-02-18). "George R.R. Martin's 'Game of Thrones: The Mad King' Play to Open at Royal Shakespeare Theatre". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
- ↑ "RSC Game of Thrones play 'an immersive experience'". bbc.co.uk. BBC News. 21 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ↑ "About the play │ Royal Shakespeare Company'". Retrieved 22 February 2026.
