When is Game of Thrones: The Mad King opening? Everything you need to know ahead of UK premiere

Despite the summer weather, fans of Game of Thrones can expect a chilling experience this July with the premiere of ‘The Mad King’.

Last month, George R.R. Martin revealed a new play based in the world of Westeros, taking place about ten years before the start of the Game of Thrones TV series.

George R.R. Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire, has collaborated with the Royal Shakespeare Company on a new prequel play. Written by Duncan Macmillan, known for ‘Every Brilliant Thing,’ the play will depict the conflict between the Targaryen and Baratheon families – the war that ultimately led to the events at the beginning of the original series.

George R.R. Martin, the author of the ongoing ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ book series, recently shared that when he originally created ‘Game of Thrones,’ he envisioned it solely as a book. He saw it as a boundless space for his creativity.

I was thrilled when my work was turned into a TV series, allowing viewers to experience the world I created. I never anticipated it would also be adapted for the stage, but I’m incredibly excited about it! Theatre is a special medium – a place where my imagination and the audience’s can connect and, hopefully, create something truly magical.

When I decided to adapt a Game of Thrones story for the stage, the Royal Shakespeare Company immediately felt like the right fit. Shakespeare is a huge influence on my writing, and as the most important figure in English literature, his work has always been a source of inspiration.

He also struggled with the same difficulties of bringing a battle to life on stage, which is reassuring. Seeing this new play come to life with a live audience will be incredibly exciting.

Duncan has done a fantastic job adapting my work, and I’m thrilled that both longtime fans and newcomers will get to enjoy this story on the big screen.

Duncan Macmillan, who adapted the show, and director Dominic Cooke explained that George’s story feels as epic and explores themes as grand as those in Shakespeare – like power struggles, ambition, revolt, insanity, fate, and tragic romance. They’ve always looked to Shakespeare’s history plays and tragedies for inspiration with this production, making the Royal Shakespeare Company a perfect fit.

We’re excited to introduce this new play to everyone – whether you’re already a fan of George’s books or the HBO show, or if you’re completely new to the story. We think it offers a unique experience that’s both deeply personal and grand in scale.

Get all the details about the new show, including the date, location, and how to buy tickets.

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Jump to:

What is Game of Thrones: The Mad King about?
Who is in the Game of Thrones: The Mad King cast and crew?
When is Game of Thrones: The Mad King premiering in the UK?
Where is Game of Thrones: The Mad King showing?
When do tickets go on sale for Game of Thrones: The Mad King?

What is Game of Thrones: The Mad King about?

The story of Game of Thrones starts with Robert Baratheon (played by Mark Addy) ruling as king after a bloody war. He took the throne from Aerys II Targaryen – often called the Mad King and the father of Daenerys. The war began because Lyanna Stark, Ned Stark’s sister and Robert’s intended wife, was taken by Rhaegar Targaryen, the Mad King’s son.

It is this war we will see in the new prequel play which is set a decade before season one opens.

The story begins in a time before current events, as winter gives way to spring in the ancient castle of Harrenhal. A grand feast is held the night before a jousting tournament, where new romances blossom and everyone wonders who will compete.

However, hidden from view, concern is rising over the ruthless acts of the kingdom’s Mad King. Within his own court, those who oppose him are secretly planning a dangerous rebellion. Meanwhile, the sounds of war are growing closer.

A struggle for power will put family relationships, age-old predictions, and the rightful heir to the throne to the ultimate test. As battles rage, victory won’t go to those with the strongest reasons, but to whoever controls the narrative.

The war featured key players like Ned Stark (Sean Bean), Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), and Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), so we can anticipate seeing many of these well-known characters from houses Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Martell return in the show.

When is Game of Thrones: The Mad King premiering in the UK?

Game of Thrones: The Mad King will be playing from Monday, July 20th to Saturday, September 5th, 2026. The official opening night is Saturday, August 8th.

Where is Game of Thrones: The Mad King showing?

The play will be performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, located on the riverfront.

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When do tickets go on sale for Game of Thrones: The Mad King?

Tickets will first be available to priority bookers starting at 10am on April 14, 2026, and will then be open to the general public from 10am on April 22, 2026. To get early access to tickets, you can become an RSC member by visiting rsc.org.uk/join.

Who is in the Game of Thrones: The Mad King cast and crew?

I’m really excited about this new play, and while they haven’t announced the actors yet, they’ve assembled an incredible team behind the scenes! Duncan Macmillan is adapting the story, and Dominic Cooke is directing. They’re working with some seriously talented people – Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell from Lume are handling the puppetry and movement, Chloe Lamford is designing the set, and Georgia McGuinness is in charge of costumes. Jon Clark will create the lighting, while Will Stuart is composing the music and Tom Gibbons is doing the sound. Amy Ball is handling the casting, and Jeannette Nelson is the voice and text coach, with Hazel Holder working on dialects. Emily Raymond is the Associate Director, and Scarlet Wilderink is assisting with puppetry and movement. They’ve even brought in Francesca Roche as a period dance consultant and Ti Mikkel as a creative consultant! Finally, Machiko Weston, Alex Berry, Alex Twiselton and Lenore Gallegos are all helping out as associate designers and assistant director, which shows just how much care is going into this production.

Authors

Olivia Garrett

2026-04-02 16:07