Game of Thrones: The Mad King is officially transferring to London in 2027 following its sold-out Royal Shakespeare Company run. Get plot and ticket details!
Fantasy author George R.R. Martin and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) have officially announced that Game of Thrones: The Mad King will transfer to London in 2027. The official stage adaptation, which serves as a prequel to the epic A Song of Ice and Fire book series and its acclaimed HBO adaptation, concludes its premiere run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on September 5, 2026.
Adapted by Olivier Award nominee Duncan Macmillan (1984, People, Places and Things) and directed by Dominic Cooke (Follies), the high-profile theatrical event is co-presented by the RSC, Access Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures on behalf of HBO.
What Is Game of Thrones: The Mad King About?
Set roughly ten years before the events of A Game of Thrones, the play dives into one of the most critical turning points in Westerosi history: the infamous Tourney at Harrenhal.
As winter thaws and the noble houses gather for a lavish tournament, dark forces conspire behind closed doors:
- The Decline of King Aerys II: The drama focuses on the final chaotic years of King Aerys II Targaryen, detailing his growing paranoia, bloodthirsty executions, and the secret treasonous plots brewing within his inner circle.
- Icons of Westeros: The production brings iconic fantasy figures to life on stage, including Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Lyanna Stark, Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark, Jaime Lannister, and Cersei Lannister during their formative years.
- The Seeds of Robert's Rebellion: The storyline captures the romantic, political, and familial betrayals that directly spark the downfall of House Targaryen and trigger the War of the Usurper.
When Will Game of Thrones: The Mad King Open in London?
Following its world premiere on August 8, 2026, in Stratford-upon-Avon, the show captured massive interest from theatergoers and fantasy enthusiasts alike.
- 2027 Transfer Window: The official transfer will bring the theatrical production to a major, as-yet-unconfirmed London venue in 2027.
- Ticket Announcements: Specific theater venues, exact performance dates, and casting announcements for the West End run will be revealed in late 2026 via the Royal Shakespeare Company portal.
- George R.R. Martin's Reaction: Martin expressed immense praise for the RSC production's launch, noting that bringing the tragedy of Aerys II to a wider West End audience promises to be an exhilarating journey for long-time fans.