The highly anticipated stage adaptation Game of Thrones: The Mad King has hit an unexpected snag. According to fan reports on X, the first two preview performances scheduled for July 20 and 21, 2026, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford‑upon‑Avon have been cancelled. While ticket holders are being notified by email, no official confirmation has yet been issued by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).
Quick read
- First two previews (July 20 & 21) reportedly cancelled.
- July 23 now set as the premiere performance.
- Ticket holders advised to check emails for updates.
What fans are saying
The cancellation was first flagged by Thrones commentator In Deep Geek, who posted: “The first two performances of The Mad King stage play – 20 and 21 July – appear to have been cancelled. If you have tickets, please check your emails. Congrats to those booked in for 23 July; you now have tickets to the premiere!”
The post also noted that an extra performance later in July will be added to compensate those affected. Fans who booked travel and hotels for the original opening nights expressed disappointment, with speculation that the delay is linked to the production’s ambitious stage design rather than script or cast issues.
The first two performances of The Mad King stage play – 20 and 21 July – appear to have been cancelled. If you have tickets, please check your emails.
Congrats to those booked in for 23 July; you now have tickets to the premiere!
To those who booked for the opening couple of… pic.twitter.com/e9BgBNywzv
— In Deep Geek (@InDeepGeek) July 9, 2026
Official details so far
The RSC previously announced that previews would begin July 20, with the official opening night on August 8, 2026, and the run continuing until September 5.
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As of now, the RSC has not publicly confirmed the cancellations. Ticket holders are encouraged to monitor official communications.
The play, directed by Dominic Cooke and adapted by Duncan Macmillan, dramatizes the reign of Aerys II (“The Mad King”) and the events leading to Robert’s Rebellion.
