Thrones Play Defies Delays for Grand Debut

The world premiere preview of "George R. R. Martin's Game Of Thrones: The Mad King" finally launched on Tuesday, overcoming an initially troubled start. This co-production between HBO and the Royal Shakespeare Company, set before the events of the popular TV series, was met with a standing ovation from its first audience.

Director Dominic Cooke acknowledged during the previews that the show was a world premiere and warned of potential technical stops. The team had not rehearsed the entire four-hour production on stage before the first preview due to time constraints. However, the performance proceeded without any hitches.

Feedback for the play has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise directed at the acting, sound design, lighting, and impressive puppetry. Audiences specifically highlighted the realistic set, including the throne, and the lifelike animals, such as the dragon, alongside the thrilling fight sequences.

Originally slated to begin previews on July 20 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the first four performances were canceled due to the need for additional refinement. A subsequent preview on July 25 was also canceled hours before its scheduled start. This led to considerable disappointment for ticket holders who had traveled from afar, with some coming from Canada.

In response to the cancellations and ticket holder disappointment, the RSC has added a limited number of extra performances to the play's two-month run. The official opening night for "The Mad King" is scheduled for August 8.