The world of Westeros is heading to the stage. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC UK) has announced casting for Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a theatrical retelling of Robert’s Rebellion. The production will dramatize the downfall of House Targaryen and the events that set the stage for HBO’s original series. Three pivotal roles have now been revealed, bringing Ned Stark, Lyanna Stark, and Princess Elia Martell to life in a new medium.
Quick read
- RSC UK announces casting for The Mad King.
- Michael Abubakar will play Ned Stark.
- Harmony Rose‑Bremner joins as Lyanna Stark.
- Elizabeth Ayodele cast as Princess Elia Martell.
Michael Abubakar as Ned Stark
Michael Abubakar has been cast as Ned Stark in ‘GAME OF THRONES: THE MAD KING,’ Robert’s Rebellion prequel stage play.
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Michael Abubakar steps into the role of Ned Stark, the honorable lord of Winterfell. Abubakar is best known for his work in British theatre, including productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has appeared on screen in series such as Doctor Who and The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself. His stage experience in classical roles makes him a strong fit for Ned, a character defined by loyalty, restraint, and moral conviction. In The Mad King, Abubakar will portray Ned’s bond with Robert Baratheon and his determination to rescue Lyanna, anchoring the rebellion’s emotional core.
Harmony Rose‑Bremner as Lyanna Stark
Harmony Rose-Bremner has been cast as Lyanna Stark in ‘GAME OF THRONES: THE MAD KING,’ Robert’s Rebellion prequel stage play.
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Harmony Rose‑Bremner will portray Lyanna Stark, the young woman whose abduction by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen sparked the rebellion. Rose‑Bremner has built her career through performances in contemporary theatre and television, with credits that highlight her ability to balance vulnerability and strength. Her casting as Lyanna ensures that audiences will see the emotional weight of the rebellion through Lyanna’s perspective, a role that demands both youthful energy and tragic gravitas.
Elizabeth Ayodele as Princess Elia Martell
Elizabeth Ayodele has been cast as Princess Elia Martell in ‘GAME OF THRONES: THE MAD KING,’ Robert’s Rebellion prequel stage play.
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— westerosies (@westerosies) May 29, 2026
Elizabeth Ayodele joins the cast as Princess Elia Martell, wife of Rhaegar Targaryen. Ayodele has appeared in acclaimed stage productions across the UK, including roles that emphasize resilience and emotional depth. Her background in theatre equips her to embody Elia’s tragic arc, a story tied to the downfall of House Martell and the brutality of Robert’s Rebellion. Ayodele’s performance will add layers of empathy and sorrow to the play, reminding audiences of the human cost behind Westeros’ legendary conflicts.
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