The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced that it will stage a new play titled 'Game of Thrones: The Mad King' this summer in Stratford-upon-Avon, adapting George R.R. Martin's famous fantasy saga. Martin expressed that the RSC was the 'obvious choice' for this adaptation, given Shakespeare's influence on both the themes of his work and the challenges faced in dramatizing battles on stage. The play's themes of power struggles, ambition, and madness echo the characteristics found in Shakespeare’s works, establishing a poignant connection between the two artists.

The adaptation has been in the works since 2021 when Duncan Macmillan was enlisted to adapt the script, and director Dominic Cooke was chosen to bring the play to life. The collaboration has been eagerly anticipated by fans of both the Game of Thrones franchise and Shakespeare's plays, as Macmillan and Cooke aim to integrate the grand narrative style and complex character development known in both sources. This innovative staging project is expected to attract audiences looking to experience a new take on a beloved story in a renowned theatrical tradition.

As the RSC prepares for this monumental summer debut, expectations are high for a production that promises to blend the best elements from Martin’s literature with the theatrical prowess of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Such a production not only revitalizes interest in the Game of Thrones saga but also invites audiences to reflect on the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s exploration of human nature and conflict, potentially drawing in theatre-goers who might be less familiar with Martin's universe.