Overview
- The Royal Shakespeare Company unveiled the 36-person cast and full creative team on Friday, May 29, and confirmed the world premiere opens August 8 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon with a run through September 5.
- Michael Shaeffer will play King Aerys II Targaryen and the cast includes Noah Ritter as Prince Rhaegar, Harmony Rose-Bremner as Lyanna Stark, Michael Abubakar as Eddard Stark and Callum Woodhouse as Lord Robert Baratheon.
- Duncan Macmillan adapted the play from George R.R. Martin’s novels, Dominic Cooke is directing, and the creative line-up features Chloe Lamford (set), Georgia McGuinness (costumes), Jon Clark (lighting) and Lume’s Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell for puppetry and movement.
- The production is co-produced with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures on behalf of HBO, Access Entertainment and named producers, a level of commercial partnership that places Martin’s IP squarely in large-scale live theatre.
- RSC press notes say the play centers on the Tourney at Harrenhal and the events that precede Robert’s Rebellion, and the company is moving into production and rehearsal for an effects- and movement-driven ensemble staging that aims to bridge fan and mainstream audiences.