LONDON: Game of Thrones has made its debut on the stage, with a new play about the events before the hit television series, opening in England to mostly positive reviews.
Game of Thrones: The Mad King, which opened at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, tells the story of the powerful families and events that shaped the world seen in the original series.
According to BBC News, the production has taken seven years to reach the stage, runs for around three hours and 45 minutes and features a cast of more than 30 actors.
Younger Versions Of Familiar Characters
The play features younger versions of characters familiar to Game of Thrones fans, including Ned Stark, Jaime Lannister and Robert Baratheon.
It also explores figures whose stories became central to the events of the original saga, including Lyanna Stark, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King.
The story begins more than a decade before the events of the first book and television series, opening with the famous tournament at Harrenhal.
Playwright Duncan Macmillan said he wanted to create a production on the scale of a Shakespearean tragedy and a history play.
Critics Praise Spectacle
The Telegraph awarded the production four stars, describing it as a “spellbinding spectacle”, while The Guardian also gave it four stars, praising its spectacular stagecraft and contemporary resonance.
The Independent gave the production four stars, highlighting its battles, deaths and dragons, while Whatsonstage awarded it five stars and described it as a major theatrical achievement.
The Times was less enthusiastic, awarding three stars and arguing that the production lacked some of the pace and intensity associated with the television series.
Several critics noted that the production is likely to appeal most strongly to established Game of Thrones fans.
Martin Closely Involved
George RR Martin, the American creator of the Game of Thrones universe, attended the opening night in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Martin was closely involved in the development of the production, with a representative present during rehearsals.
Director Dominic Cooke said Martin had been supportive and collaborative throughout the development of the play.
The production also draws a direct connection between Martin’s work and Shakespeare. Martin has previously acknowledged the influence of Shakespeare’s history plays and the Wars of the Roses on the world of Game of Thrones.
RSC co-artistic director Tamara Harvey said themes including power, succession, dynastic struggle and battles for control created a strong connection between Shakespeare’s history plays and Martin’s fictional world.
Could It Follow Harry Potter And Stranger Things?
The RSC hopes the production can eventually follow the success of other major stage spin-offs, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Stranger Things: The First Shadow, both of which have enjoyed extended runs in London and on Broadway.
For now, The Mad King begins its journey in Stratford-upon-Avon, with the RSC hoping its combination of fantasy, political intrigue and large-scale theatrical spectacle will attract both long-time fans and newcomers.
