RSC Opens 3-Hour-45-Minute Game of Thrones Prequel as Critics Split on Stage Spectacle
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 9
RSC Opens 3-Hour-45-Minute Game of Thrones Prequel as Critics Split on Stage Spectacle
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 9
Summary
Stratford-upon-Avon hosted the official opening of Game of Thrones: The Mad King, the franchise’s first stage spin-off, after a seven-year development.
Most reviews landed between 4 and 5 stars, praising its scale, stagecraft and links to Shakespearean history, though The Times gave 3 stars and called the nearly four-hour show slow and lacking grit.
The production uses a 36-strong cast to dramatize the backstory of Rhaegar Targaryen, Lyanna Stark and Aerys II, alongside younger versions of Ned Stark, Jaime Lannister and Robert Baratheon.
George R.R. Martin was closely involved in development and attended Saturday’s opening, while the RSC hopes the show can build beyond Stratford like Harry Potter and Stranger Things stage spin-offs.