Rating: 5 stars
Apparently its been 15 years since Game of Thrones first graced our screens. Based upon a series of 5 gargantuan books its become a huge franchise with 8 seasons of TV, with two TV spin offs based in that world; several companion books, comics, games, music and even a cookbook. And now, we have a theatre show, playing its first run at the Royal Shakespeare Company (The RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Mad King acts as a prequel to the books and TV series, telling the story of King Aerys II Targaryen, the shadow of whom falls heavy over the first series and first book and follows into the events of Roberts Rebellion, the civil war that ends with Robert Baratheon sat on the Iron Throne of Westoros.
These events were all alluded to and sketched out in the first book/season and had huge influence on the storyline and motivations of many of the characters that are now famous.
The play itself seems to have caused plenty of controversy in the online world of Westeros as it attempts to codify some of the more debated issues of the background. There is also plenty of debate as to whether it is canon, partial-canon or just “inspired by” but we’re not going to get into that. I’m just here to tell you how good it is and if you should make the effort to go and see it.
First things first: This is a monster of a production, clocking in at around 3hours and 45minutes (including interval) which makes it the longest production I can remember seeing (do make sure you use the toilet before taking your seat!). It also has a cast of 39 with some pulling double duty on characters. Again, I’d be surprised if we’ve seen a production with such a huge cast elsewhere. The production crew have completely transformed the theatre, bringing in platform lifts for under stage, flags, pennants and trees that drape from the ceiling and royal boxes in the seats, one of which was right next to where we were sat. On the stage we have puppet horses jousting, gigantic puppet knights on horseback, smoke and fire. This is a massive and epic undertaking and the spectacle it brings is amazing. We start our visit to Westeros witnessing a parade of House Targaryn, with incense, smoke, flags, crows, horses, lords and all. It felt hugely immersive, as if we had been transported to the medieval fantasy world ourselves, helped by cast members wandering amongst the audience both on the floor and in the circle.
There’s a huge amount to take in, and a number of sub-plots weaved into the main storyline. It helps if you have some knowledge and understanding of the overall story as the big plot points build strongly into the first book and season, showing us elements only hinted at or gossiped about before. If you are a complete newcomer, the storyline is completely self contained so you would not feel left out: but its a very important plot for anybody who has knowledge of.
Whilst its not quite Shakespeare, the dialogue of Westeros is rather unique and will take some getting used to before you fully settle in the swing of things.
The cast are very very good: The Robert Baratheon (played by Callum Woodhouse) given to us here, is just like the Baratheon you’d imagine raging, conquering and fighting across the land. A fantastic performance. The title character of Aerys is also wonderfully played by Michael Shaeffer, swinging from melancholy, paranoia, grief, jealousy, pettiness and sadistic sometimes in the space of one sentence. Kel Matsena plays Ser Arthur Dayne, a legendary figure in the lore of Game of Thrones and brings real gravitas and authority that fits the reputation of such a character. There’s just not enough time to go into everyone but everyone is on top of their game here.
Final thoughts are that this is a hugely ambitious production that really manages to pull off what it is trying to achieve. The value of it may well depend on how much of a fan of Game of Thrones you are. Anybody who has watched and remembers the main beats of the first and last season will be rewarded with insider knowledge of what was mentioned in passing or alluded to but don’t be put off if you are not well versed: its a real spectacle whatever your knowledge.
I understand the ticket sales have been hugely popular and as I look now, it seems all remaining performances are sold out. If you do fancy it though, its always worth calling on the day to see if there have been cancellations or spares. This has worked for us at the RSC before. The show is at The RSC until 5 September 2026.
And please note if you have tickets for the matinee show, this now commences at 1pm instead of the original 1:15pm.
For more details: https://www.rsc.org.uk/game-of-thrones-the-mad-king/