Game of Thrones: The Mad King review

This stage adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” universe, titled “The Mad King,” focuses on King Aerys II Targaryen and is praised for its spectacular stagecraft, modern resonance, and inspiration drawn from Shakespeare’s history plays. Despite challenges in translating television’s visual effects to the stage, the production features impressive puppetry, striking set design, and compelling performances from actors portraying younger versions of iconic characters. The play serves as a direct prologue to the “Game of Thrones” TV series, exploring political intrigue and the instability of leadership, while also offering an economic and artistic rationale for the RSC’s choice of material.

• The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) stages “The Mad King,” a prequel to “Game of Thrones” focusing on King Aerys II Targaryen.
• The production draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s history plays, with visual and thematic parallels to King Lear.
• It features spectacular stagecraft, including jousts, battles, puppetry for creatures, and striking set design with fire and dry ice effects.
• The play explores modern political resonance, referencing the instability of heads of state and international crises.
• Performances include actors portraying younger versions of familiar “Game of Thrones” characters like Eddard Stark and Jaime Lannister.
• The production faces the challenge of matching HBO’s visual effects and aims to attract new audiences and income for the RSC.
• The play is considered a five-star production for devoted “Game of Thrones” fans but potentially a three-star for those unfamiliar with the series.