A stage play about how the "Mad King" turned everyone against him sold out its Stratford run first, then set its sights on London next. George R.R. Martin and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) have announced that the "Game of Thrones" prequel play, "Game Of Thrones: The Mad King," will open in London in 2027.
Written by Duncan Macmillan, this major production is set before the events of the original "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels, a decade prior to the story of "Game of Thrones," focusing on the reign of the "Mad King" Aerys II. It depicts how those who feared his brutal rule conspired against him. The play ran at the RSC's Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford starting August 8, with this run concluding on September 5.
"I had a wonderful time at the premiere in Stratford, and I'm thrilled that this production is moving to London to share the experience with even more audiences—it's going to be an exciting journey," Martin said in a press release. RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey noted that the response from Stratford audiences was "phenomenal," with 57% of ticket buyers being first-time RSC attendees. "We can't wait for even more people to discover this beautiful and epic work."
According to BBC News, the production had to cancel its earliest preview performances due to technical issues, but once it officially opened, it received solid reviews from critics. The "Game of Thrones" universe continues to expand, with TV spin-offs "House of the Dragon" and "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" currently airing on HBO, alongside a video game and a film both in development.
Specific details about the London venue, opening date, and ticket information have not yet been announced.
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