Game of Thrones: The Mad King

Game of Thrones: The Mad King
Written by	Duncan Macmillan
Based on	A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Directed by	Dominic Cooke
Date premiered	Summer 2026
Place premiered	Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
Genre	Drama Epic fantasy

Game of Thrones: The Mad King is an upcoming stage play by Duncan Macmillan. It is a 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 will be presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company have its world premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, directed by Dominic Cooke in summer 2026. Booking will open in April 2026, with full details to be announced. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

The play is set 10 years before Game of Thrones, ^[4] 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. ^[5]

References

1. 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.
2. "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.
3. 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.
4. "RSC Game of Thrones play 'an immersive experience'". bbc.co.uk. BBC News. 21 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
5. "About the play │ Royal Shakespeare Company'" . Retrieved 22 February 2026.