Fez — The Royal Shakespeare Company has unveiled the full cast for “Game of Thrones: The Mad King,” a new stage production set in George R. R. Martin’s world of Westeros.
The play will feature a 36-member company, with Michael Shaeffer taking the title role of King Aerys II Targaryen, better known to fans as the Mad King.
The production will run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from July 20 to September 5, with its official opening night set for August 8.
Adapted by Duncan Macmillan from Martin’s novels and directed by Dominic Cooke, “Game of Thrones: The Mad King” explores the years before “A Game of Thrones,” focusing on the political fractures that lead Westeros toward rebellion.
Westeros before the fall
The story takes place during the reign of Aerys II Targaryen, when family bonds, dynastic succession, and hidden political plots begin to collide.
The Royal Shakespeare Company describes the play as a “sweeping new stage epic,” centered on the final years before the events of Martin’s novels.
The production will bring together familiar houses, including Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Martell.
The RSC’s official description places the action around Harrenhal, where a banquet and jousting tournament become the backdrop for romance, treason, and war.
Noah Ritter will play Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, with Harmony Rose-Bremner as Lyanna Stark. Michael Abubakar will appear as Eddard Stark, while Callum Woodhouse takes on Lord Robert Baratheon.
A large cast for a royal collapse
The cast also includes Luke Brady as Brandon Stark, Alexander Newland as Lord Rickard Stark, and Miles Barrow as Benjen Stark. Mariah Gale will appear as Queen Rhaella Targaryen and Lady Shella Whent, while Marcello Walton will play both Ser Jonothor Darry and Lord Tywin Lannister.
Other major roles include Maxim Ays as Ser Jaime Lannister, Daisy Franks as Cersei Lannister, Edem-Ita Duke as Oberyn Martell, and Elizabeth Ayodele as Princess Elia Martell.
The creative team includes set designer Chloe Lamford, costume designer Georgia McGuinness, lighting designer Jon Clark, composer Will Stuart, sound designer Tom Gibbons, and casting director Amy Ball.
Martin’s world moves to the stage
Cooke praised the company behind the production, saying the “creative team and cast are exceptional.” Martin, who serves as creator and executive producer, said the actors “have a fire in them.”
The production is co-produced with Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, Mark Manuel, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures on behalf of HBO, and Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen for Access Entertainment.
