‘Game of Thrones: The Mad King’ — Plot, Cast, Dates and How to Get Your Tickets

The Royal Shakespeare Company — the institution synonymous with the Bard himself — is turning its attention to Westeros. 

Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a new prequel play based on the fantasy universe created by George R.R. Martin, will debut at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on July 20 and run through September 5, with an official opening night on August 8.

On April 2, the RSC took to Facebook with the news, writing: “A long winter thaws in Harrenhal, and spring is promised…”

For those who follow institutional theater, the pairing of one of the English-speaking world’s most revered stage companies with a blockbuster fantasy franchise is a striking creative proposition — and one with considerable artistic firepower behind it.

What to Know About the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Among the most compelling details in the RSC’s announcement is the staging concept. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre will be reconfigured for the production, with the audience seated around a cross-shaped stage.