Game of Thrones is to be adapted into a theatrical production by the Royal Shakespeare Company, it has been announced.
The popular series from American writer, George RR Martin, will take to the stage in Stratford-upon-Avon later this year, titled: Game Of Thrones: The Mad King. It will be based on Martin's books.
The company have revealed that this story will take place after a long winter at “a lavish banquet on the eve of a jousting tournament”, exploring a treasonous plot against the Mad King as his inside circle questions his "merciless" rule.
It will also be set over a decade prior to the events of the novels and said to be “reveal a legendary chapter”, regarding the history of the Westeros continent, which was where the fantasy series was set.
George RR Martin, who serves as executive producer and creator, said: “When I first wrote Game Of Thrones, I never imagined that it would be anything other than a book. It was a place for my imagination to exist without limits".
“For my work to now be adapted for the stage is something I did not expect but welcome with great enthusiasm and excitement", he added. “Theatre offers something unique. A place for mine and the audience’s imagination to meet and hopefully create something magical".
Martin went on to say that the Royal Shakespeare Company was the "obvious choice" to stage the series, adding: “It will be thrilling to watch the events of this new play unfold in a live environment".
“Duncan’s masterful script honours the world completely, and I am so excited for both fans of the series, and perhaps people who have never picked up one of my books, to experience this new story in a theatre".
The stage production will be adapted by screenwright Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke.
On the production, the pair said: “George’s storytelling is Shakespearean in its scale and its themes – dynastic struggle, ambition, rebellion, madness, prophecy, ill-fated love".
They added: “From the beginning, Shakespeare’s histories and tragedies have been our primary reference for the ambition of this production, so the Royal Shakespeare Company feels like a natural home".
Elsewhere, RSC's co-artistic directors Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans said: “When we first read Duncan’s script, it was immediately apparent how this epic cycle of warring families sits in a continuum with Shakespeare’s history cycles".
“Stories of power, ambition and the complexities of succession are evergreen – and this adaptation explores the true nature of authority through the lens of young people grappling with inherited identities".
“The story will have all the epic qualities audiences would expect from Game Of Thrones, but ultimately, it has a very human heart".
Priority tickets for the production will go up for sale on April 14, with public booking available that month, the Royal Shakespeare Company confirmed.
Further details on this adaption are yet to be announced at the time of writing.
Back in January, a new sequel to Game Of Thrones was launched in Northern Ireland. More on this story here.
