In February, we learned that the next Game of Thrones adaptation will take place on stage. Author George R.R. Martin has teamed with theatre veteran Dominic Cooke and award-winning playwright Duncan Macmillan for The Mad King, which comes to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, this summer.
Set 15 years before the events of Game of Thrones, the story takes place during a jousting tournament in Harrenhal. Ned Stark, his sister Lyanna, Jamie Lannister, and Robert Baratheon are the main characters, and The Mad King will explore Lyanna's budding romance with Rhaegar Targaryen, the son of Aerys, the titular Mad King.
Their meeting would lead to the birth of Jon Snow, while younger versions of Varys and a few other familiar faces will also appear in minor roles.
Variety (via SFFGazette.com) has confirmed that the world premiere of The Mad King will take place on July 20 and run through September 5. Billed as "a sweeping stage epic that brings to life a legendary chapter of the history of Westeros," it's said the theatre will be configured in a way that "[places] audiences at the heart of the action."
The full creative team includes puppetry and movement directors Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell of Lume; set designer Chloe Lamford; costume designer Georgia McGuinness; lighting designer Jon Clark; composer Will Stuart; and sound designer Tom Gibbons. Casting is by Amy Ball, CDG.
Further credits include voice and text by Jeannette Nelson, dialect by Hazel Holder, associate director Emily Raymond, associate puppetry and movement by Scarlet Wilderink, period dance consultant Francesca Roche, creative consultant Ti Mikkel, associate set designer Machiko Weston, associate costume designer Alex Berry, associate sound designer Alex Twiselton and assistant director Lenore Gallegos.
Royal Shakespeare Company co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey said today, "This production brings together some of theatre’s most visionary talents to reimagine George R. R. Martin’s world for the stage."
"In a bold new configuration of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, audiences will find themselves at the very heart of the action — immersed in the intrigue and theatrical spectacle that promises to make this production truly epic. It’s an ambitious and exhilarating collaboration, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences into this extraordinary experience."
Following its run in Stratford-upon-Avon, it's been said that the play could head to London's Gillian Lynne Theatre. Given the success of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, it's a little surprising that it's taken this long for Westeros to head to the stage.
Tickets for Game of Thrones: The Mad King will go on sale this month.