GAME OF THRONES Prequel Play THE MAD KING Debuting in London This Summer

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In 2024, George R.R. Martin hinted at a new stage play set in London, focusing on a pivotal moment from Westeros’s past: the Tourney of Harrenhal. This event, where Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark first met, sparked a romance that dramatically altered the fate of the realm. Originally planned for a 2025 premiere, the play faced delays, but Martin assures fans this isn’t another wait like the one for The Winds of Winter. It is happening, and soon! Martin and the Royal Shakespeare Company have now announced that tickets for Game of Thrones: The Mad King will be available in April, with the play debuting this summer.

A new play, Game of Thrones: The Mad King, will be staged at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre later this year. It’s set over ten years before the events of the popular HBO series and George R.R. Martin’s first book. Tickets will first be available to priority bookers on April 14th through the Royal Shakespeare Company’s website, and general public ticket sales will be announced later in April.

This production, written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, reveals the story of how Jon Snow’s parents first met. Their connection sparked a war that dramatically reshaped the kingdom, and potentially prevented a devastating threat from the undead.

While the play features a romance, it’s really about King Aerys II, whose actions almost led to the downfall of his family. The king, known as the Mad King and usually withdrawn from public life, attended the tournament because he believed a hidden plot was underway. Macmillan and Cooke have hinted that this conspiracy made the Tournament at Harrenhal dangerous, even before the love story began, as stated in the show’s official announcement.

The harsh winter is finally ending, and after years of division, the most powerful families are uniting for a grand tournament – one that promises to be legendary. It feels like a time of fresh beginnings and possibility, but beneath the excitement, there’s a sense that something more sinister is at play.

Martin expressed his enthusiasm for the script, calling it a faithful and impressive adaptation of his work. He hopes both longtime fans and newcomers will enjoy experiencing the story on the big screen.

Wondering what the play is all about? We’ve got you covered. We’ve written about ‘The Mad King,’ Rhaegar Targaryen, and his connection with Lyanna Stark. We’ll soon discover together what’s legend and what actually happened. Although the play faced some delays, it’s definitely going to happen – unlike some other things in Westeros!

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2026-02-19 00:33