Game of Thrones Goes Shakespeare: The Mad King Debuts at the RSC in Stratford

The Royal Shakespeare Company opens Game of Thrones: The Mad King in Stratford-upon-Avon, a 3h45m stage epic with a 36-strong cast featuring younger versions of Ned Stark, Lyanna Stark, Rhaegar Targaryen and Aerys II; George RR Martin was closely involved and attended the premiere. Critics broadly praise the spectacle (Telegraph, Guardian) but are mixed on pacing and dramatic poetry (Times), with some saying it works best for hardcore fans. The production aims to echo Shakespearean history and could extend beyond Stratford if successful.