Games of Thrones: The Mad King coming to stage in 2026
George R.R. Martin is the original author and creator of the Game of Thrones franchise. Every incarnation of the franchise is loved. The play is unlikely to be any different.
Photo courtesy Henry Söderlund/Wikimedia Commons
In summer 2026, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in the United Kingdom will premier a new, stage-adapted prequel to the TV drama Game of Thrones (2011-2019) at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. The popular TV series itself was adapted from the A Song of Fire and Ice book series by George R.R. Martin, and according to Playbill, the stage show “will take place a decade before the events of Martin's novels.”
The Hollywood Reporter writes that the play, inspired by Martin’s novels, “is adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke” and is titled Game of Thrones: The Mad King. Duncan Macmillan is a British director and playwright who has written, “for theatre, television, and film,” and whose work has been performed globally, including his adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984. Dominic Cooke likewise “is a highly accomplished theatre, film, and television director based in London” who has been nominated for several Oliver awards, winning five. Cooke also directed The Comedy of Errors at the National Theatre. “Cooke and Macmillan described Martin's storytelling as ‘Shakespearean in its scale and its themes - dynastic struggle, ambition, rebellion, madness, prophecy, ill-fated love,’” making the RSC an obvious choice for the production, as per the BBC.
This new play is a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2026 season, with tickets going on sale in early April. The RSC describes the play’s plotline as, “A long winter thaws in Harrenhal, and spring is promised...in the shadows, amid growing unease at the bloodthirsty actions of the realm’s merciless Mad King, dissenters from his inner circle anxiously advance a treasonous plot.” The plot of this play stems from the plot of the show, making it an interesting play for those who are fans of the books and the TV show.
Martin says he never thought his books would be anything more than that and, “For my work to now be adapted for the stage is something I did not expect but welcome with great enthusiasm and excitement.” This adaptation of his work is something that is an exciting prospect for both Martin and fans of his work.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has roots dating back to 1879, with the company as we know it being officially established in 1961. In a statement, Martin said he specifically thought the RSC was the best choice for putting on this show saying, “Shakespeare is the greatest name in English literature, and his plays have been a constant source of inspiration to me and my writing.”
As of yet, there is little information on what specific special effects will be involved, but based on the TV drama and the novels, there will likely be many. Casting for the play has also not yet been announced, but will likely be announced in the months leading up to the release of the play. Although casting has not been announced, Entertainment Weekly reports that “A description notes ‘familiar characters from the houses Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Martell’ will feature among the cast.”
Fans can rest assured that the play will follow the lines of the stories as Martin is listed on the RSC website as being the “Executive Producer and Creator,” with heavy involvement in the adaptation and the production of the play.