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RSC Cancels Five Previews of Game of Thrones Play but Proceeds with Main Run

other · 2026-07-28

The Royal Shakespeare Company canceled five preview performances of its new play, Game of Thrones: The Mad King, scheduled for July 20-24, 2026, causing dismay among ticketholders. A Saturday show on July 25 was also called off hours before curtain. Despite these cancellations, the RSC has stated that the main run of the production will continue as planned. The play is based on the popular Game of Thrones franchise and is being staged at the RSC's home in Stratford-upon-Avon. The cancellations have raised questions about the production's readiness, but the company has not provided specific reasons for the disruptions.

Key facts

  • Five preview performances of Game of Thrones: The Mad King were canceled.
  • Cancellations occurred for shows scheduled July 20-24, 2026.
  • A Saturday show on July 25 was also canceled hours before curtain.
  • The Royal Shakespeare Company is producing the play.
  • The play is based on the Game of Thrones franchise.
  • Ticketholders were dismayed by the cancellations.
  • The RSC has not given specific reasons for the cancellations.
  • The main run of the production is proceeding as planned.

Entities

Institutions

  • Royal Shakespeare Company
  • The New York Times

Locations

  • Stratford-upon-Avon
  • United Kingdom

Sources