The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced the world premiere of the first theatrical adaptation of George R.R. Martin's fantasy saga 'Game of Thrones', titled 'Game of Thrones: The Mad King', which is set to debut in the summer of 2026 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. This theatre is notably the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare and will host this anticipated event during its summer season.

The play, adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, serves as a prequel set over a decade before the events in the novels. It will feature significant houses from the lore, including Targaryen, Stark, Baratheon, and Martell, who will gather after a winter season to engage in a grand tournament of jousting, reputed to be the largest of that period. This storyline aims to explore themes of ambition, rivalry, and the complexities of power that are characteristic of the original series.

George R.R. Martin, the creator of the series, is involved as an executive producer, which adds a layer of authenticity and continuity to the theatrical interpretation. The emergence of this adaptation reflects the enduring popularity of 'Game of Thrones' and its fandom's eagerness for related narratives, promising a unique blend of theatrical artistry and the beloved epic tale that has captured audiences worldwide.