RSC Announces 2026 Dates for Game of Thrones: The Mad King

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced performance dates for "Game of Thrones: The Mad King," a new stage prequel inspired by George R.R. Martin's fantasy novels, set to debut at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, from July 20 to September 5, 2026.

The production, adapted by playwright Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, explores the events of Robert's Rebellion a decade before the timeline of Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series and the HBO television adaptation. It centers on the reign of Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King and father of Daenerys Targaryen, whose erratic and violent rule sparks dissent among his inner circle. The story unfolds at a lavish banquet in Harrenhal on the eve of a jousting tournament, where lovers connect amid speculation about the competitors. In the shadows, plotters advance a treasonous scheme as distant war drums signal rising conflict over family loyalties, ancient prophecies and the line of succession. Key houses including Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon and Martell feature prominently, with characters such as a young Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister expected to appear. The narrative...