Game of Thrones on Stage: What We Know So Far

Game of Thrones is heading to the stage. The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced the world premiere of Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a new play set in the world of George R. R. Martin's novels, opening at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in summer 2026. Here is everything we know so far.

What Is Game of Thrones: The Mad King About?

The play is a prequel, set roughly a decade before the events of the novels and the HBO television series. The story takes place during a period when a long winter is thawing and the great houses of Westeros come together at Harrenhal for a grand tournament.

The official synopsis describes a lavish banquet on the eve of a jousting tournament, where lovers meet, revellers speculate about who will compete, and, in the shadows, dissenters from the inner circle of the realm's merciless king advance a treasonous plot. Characters from the houses of Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon and Martell will feature.

For those familiar with the books, this places the action around the famed Tourney at Harrenhal, a pivotal event in the backstory of the novels. For newcomers, the RSC has stressed that the play works as a standalone piece of drama.

Who Is Behind the Production?

The play is adapted by Duncan Macmillan, whose previous work includes Every Brilliant Thing and an acclaimed stage adaptation of 1984. It is directed by Dominic Cooke, who has extensive credits at the Royal Court Theatre, National Theatre and in the West End. George R. R. Martin serves as executive producer and creator.

Martin has spoken publicly about the project, describing Shakespeare as a constant source of inspiration and noting that the RSC was his first choice to bring the world of Westeros to the stage.

The RSC's co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey have drawn a direct connection between Martin's writing and Shakespeare's history plays, describing the production as exploring themes of power, ambition, succession and inherited identity.

The production is co-produced with Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, Mark Manuel, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures on behalf of HBO, and Access Entertainment.

Where and When Will It Be Staged?

Game of Thrones: The Mad King will premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in summer 2026. Exact dates have not yet been confirmed. Priority booking is expected to open from 14 April 2026, with general public booking to follow later that month.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is the RSC's main house, a 1,018-seat thrust-stage venue on the banks of the River Avon. For anyone who has not visited, Stratford-upon-Avon is roughly two hours from London by train and has a long tradition as a theatre destination. Read our guide to Stratford-upon-Avon and the RSC for tips on planning a visit.

Could It Transfer to London?

There has been industry speculation that the production could move to a West End theatre after completing its Stratford season. The RSC already has a production, My Neighbour Totoro, running at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London, which has established a pipeline for RSC transfers. Nothing has been confirmed, but a London run would not be surprising given the scale of the project and its commercial potential.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets are expected to go on sale in April 2026. Keep an eye on BritishTheatre.com for booking announcements. For theatre tickets across the West End and beyond, check tickadoo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Game of Thrones: The Mad King the same story as the TV show? No. It is a prequel set roughly a decade before the events of the novels and television series, centred on the Tourney at Harrenhal.

Where is Game of Thrones: The Mad King playing? The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, with a world premiere in summer 2026.

Do I need to know the books or TV series to see it? The RSC has said the play works as a standalone drama, though fans of the existing material will recognise characters and events from the wider story.

When do tickets go on sale? Priority booking is expected from 14 April 2026, with general booking to follow.