Podcast Summary

Podcast: MickeyJoTheatre
Episode: will GAME OF THRONES work on stage?! | everything we know about the 2026 play at the RSC
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Release Date: February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mickey Jo delivers an in-depth analysis of the big news: a full-scale stage adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones, titled Game of Thrones: The Mad King, premiering at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in summer 2026. He unpacks what’s currently known about the production, examines its creative team, speculates on its potential success and challenges, and compares it to other recent stage adaptations of major franchises.

Key Discussion Points

1. Announcement Details & Initial Reactions (00:56–03:57)

• The Game of Thrones stage adaptation is officially coming to the RSC, after years of rumors and speculation.

• Title revealed as: George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King.

• Playwright: Duncan Macmillan; Director: Dominic Cook.

• Notable for launching at the RSC’s largest space in Stratford-upon-Avon, not London.

• Framing questions: Will it feature dragons? Can this world really come alive on stage? Is it destined for West End or Broadway in the future?

  "Are there going to be dragons? So much for us to talk about as we break down this news."
  — Mickey Jo (00:56)

  “The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon might be the perfect home for the Game of Thrones stage production if it were to ever see the light of day.”
  — Mickey Jo (01:59)

2. What the Play Is About (03:57–06:50)

• The story is a prequel: not a stage retelling of the TV show or books but events leading up to the saga’s start.

• Set in the years leading to Game of Thrones, focusing on King Aerys II (“The Mad King”) and the political machinations within Westeros.

• Expect familiar characters from the powerful houses: Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Martell.

• Primary setting: A lavish tournament at Harrenhal—rich with Shakespearean intrigue, betrayal, and dynastic struggle.

  “It sounds so inherently Shakespearean, doesn’t it? It sounds like King Lear in a sense, but it also sounds like Richard II and Richard III. This treasonous plot to overthrow a mad king on the eve of a jousting tournament—I mean, come on now.”
  — Mickey Jo (05:50)

3. Creative Team & Artistic Approach (11:55–13:50)

• Duncan Macmillan: Highly respected playwright ("Every Brilliant Thing," "People, Places & Things"). Not an obvious fit for sword-and-sorcery, but lauded for depth and emotional complexity.

• Dominic Cook: Accomplished director with experience on major Shakespearean projects ("The Hollow Crown").

• The production might employ immersive and atmospheric staging, potentially reconfiguring the RSC’s thrust stage.

  "Duncan Macmillan is this brilliant playwright whose work I have thoroughly enjoyed on more than one occasion...I have tremendous faith in Duncan Macmillan, and I think there are some clues in the rest of his writing as to how he might approach this..."
  — Mickey Jo (11:56)

• Comparison made to past stage productions in the epic-historic mould (e.g., Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies).

4. What Kind of Spectacle to Expect (13:51–15:51)

• Discussion on staging battles, tournaments, and whether we’ll see horses, puppetry, or—possibly—the hint of dragons (though none should be "alive" per the lore in this timeframe).

• Music is likely a significant component, given RSC tradition and the banquet/tournament setting.

• Don’t expect TV actors to reprise their roles, though if that were to happen tickets "would basically be printing money."

  “Are we going to have any kind of animal activity on stage?...Are we going to see horses?...Are we going to have dragons? And per Game of Thrones lore, I believe we would be unlikely to see dragons because circa Game of Thrones, dragons haven't been seen for multiple generations.”
  — Mickey Jo (13:51)

5. Booking, Access, and Anticipated Demand (07:00–10:44)

• Priority booking for RSC supporters opens April 14, 2026.
• High demand anticipated; only 4 tickets per person.
• No stated age recommendation yet—question mark over how much of the show’s adult content (violence, sexuality) will be included.
• Details found on rsc.org.uk.

6. Official Statements & Adaptation Philosophy (06:50–10:45)

• George R.R. Martin’s Statement:
  Welcomes theatrical adaptation, acknowledges Shakespeare as a primary inspiration.

  “Shakespeare is the greatest name in English literature and his plays have been a constant source of inspiration to me and my writing. Not only that, he faced similar challenges in how to put a battle on stage, so we are in good company. It will be thrilling to watch the events of this new play unfold in a live environment.”
  — George R.R. Martin (08:38)

• Creatives’ Statement:
  Play covers the decade preceding the GoT series; explores trust, ambition, prophecy, rebellion—classic Shakespearean themes.

  “From the beginning, Shakespeare’s histories and tragedies have been our primary reference for the ambition of this production, so the RSC feels like a natural home.”
  — Macmillan & Cook (09:52)

• Emphasis that no prior GoT knowledge required: it’s designed as a self-contained chapter.

7. Challenges and Commercial Prospects (17:53–22:43)

• Drawing lessons from other franchise stage adaptations: Stranger Things: The First Shadow (successful new story in a beloved world) vs. The Hunger Games (challenges adapting known plot).

• Game of Thrones is smart to focus on new material, avoiding direct comparisons to TV/film.

• RSC’s approach is more nurturing and protected than a riskier, commercial-only West End opening.

• Strategic for RSC, given financial structures and recent history of lucrative, exported productions (Matilda, My Neighbour Totoro, etc.).

  “There’s something perhaps smart, smarter, and safer about Game of Thrones: The Mad King opening at the Royal Shakespeare Company.”
  — Mickey Jo (18:50)

8. Speculation and Hopes for the Future (22:44–24:52)

• Likely West End transfer after RSC run, with the choice of venue remaining an open question.

• The involvement of producer Len Blavatnik (owner of Theatre Royal Haymarket) could influence future plans.

• Host is extremely enthusiastic and plans to attend the premiere, promising future coverage.

  “As soon as we find out dates, I’m about to cancel all of my plans to make sure I’m available for this because it just became one of the most auspicious theatrical openings of the year.”
  — Mickey Jo (24:11)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Play’s Shakespearean DNA:
  “It sounds so inherently Shakespearean, doesn’t it? ...This treasonous plot to overthrow a mad king on the eve of a jousting tournament—I mean, come on now.” (05:50)

• On Accessibility:
  “You don’t have to have read Game of Thrones in order to attend...they seem eager to reassure audiences that you don't have to do any homework.” (10:37)

• On the Creative Team:
  "I have tremendous faith in Duncan Macmillan, and I think there are some clues in the rest of his writing as to how he might approach this..." (11:56)

• On Franchise Stage Adaptations:
  “Stranger Things, The First Shadow, especially in its earliest months, were doing very good business...there’s something about a new story and a new story moving in a backwards direction for fans who weren’t particularly content necessarily with the way the TV adaptation ended.” (18:07)

Important Timestamps

• 00:56 – Announcement of Game of Thrones: The Mad King at RSC
• 03:57 – Breakdown of what the play will be about
• 05:50 – Parallels to Shakespearean drama
• 07:00 – Details on the play’s booking and synopsis
• 08:38 – George R.R. Martin’s official statement
• 09:52 – Playwright and director’s adaptation philosophy
• 11:56 – Insights into Duncan Macmillan and Dominic Cook
• 13:51 – Speculation on spectacle and staging (horses, dragons)
• 17:53 – Comparisons to other stage IPs (Stranger Things, The Hunger Games)
• 18:50 – The strategic value of an RSC opening
• 22:44 – Speculation on transfers and future life
• 24:11 – Host’s excitement and plans to see the world premiere

Summary & Takeaways

• The theatrical adaptation of Game of Thrones is one of 2026’s most anticipated events, mixing the epic and familiar with the artistry and gravitas of the RSC.
• By focusing on fresh, prequel material and leveraging a prestigious creative team, the production hopes to sidestep pitfalls seen in other franchise ventures.
• Accessibility is key; audiences need not be hardcore GoT fans to engage.
• Financial and commercial ambitions are high, with the RSC’s nurturing approach possibly leading to a substantial West End run and beyond.
• Mickey Jo is thrilled—this episode functions as an informative explainer as well as a fan’s feverish anticipation.

For more updates and the eventual full review after the world premiere, follow MickeyJoTheatre on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.