Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon - Venue Guide for Game of Thrones: The Mad King
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon prepares to host one of the most anticipated theatrical events of 2026: Game of Thrones: The Mad King. This world premiere production brings George R.R. Martin's legendary universe to the stage in an epic new drama that reveals the events leading up to the iconic series. This comprehensive venue guide provides everything you need to know for planning your visit to this historic theatre.
About the Production
Game of Thrones: The Mad King is a sweeping new stage epic that spans the final years before the events of George R.R. Martin's novels. Written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, this powerful drama reveals a legendary chapter of Westerosi history set against the backdrop of one of Britain's most prestigious theatre companies. The play is set at a lavish banquet in Harrenhal on the eve of a jousting tournament, where lovers meet and revellers speculate. But amid growing unease at the bloodthirsty actions of the realm's merciless Mad King, dissenters from his inner circle anxiously advance a treasonous plot. Family bonds, ancient prophecies, and the sacred line of succession will be tested in this dangerous campaign for power. Audiences will come face to face with familiar characters from the houses Targaryen, Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Martell, witnessing the events that set the stage for the world's most critically acclaimed series. Performance Dates: Summer 2026 Priority Booking Opens: 14 April 2026 Public Booking: To be announced in April 2026 Ticket Limit: 4 per person due to expected high demand
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre
History and Architecture
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre stands as one of the world's most renowned performance spaces, located beside the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace in the English Midlands. The theatre underwent a major transformation between 2007 and 2010, which completely reimagined the building while respecting its heritage. The transformation project created a world-class theatre facility featuring a 36-metre-high (118ft) tower that provides circulation and stunning views across Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding area from its 32-metre-high (105ft) viewing platform. The renovation also added new facilities including a Rooftop Restaurant and Bar with panoramic views over the River Avon, a Riverside Cafe and Terrace, and a Colonnade linking the Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres together for the first time.
Auditorium and Seating
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre features a thrust stage auditorium with 1,040+ seats arranged across three tiers. This configuration brings audiences and actors closer together, creating an intimate and immersive theatrical experience. The thrust stage design means that the action extends out into the heart of the audience, ensuring excellent sightlines from throughout the theatre. The transformation project tripled the number of dedicated wheelchair spaces compared to the previous auditorium, demonstrating the RSC's commitment to accessibility. The whole building is now accessible for the first time for visitors, performers, and staff with disabilities.
Getting to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Address and Location
Royal Shakespeare Company Royal Shakespeare Theatre Waterside Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire, CV37 6BB The theatre is situated on Waterside, directly alongside the River Avon in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.
By Car
Stratford-upon-Avon is conveniently located a short drive from Junction 15 of the M40, providing excellent access to the M42, M5, M6, and M25 motorways. The postcode CV37 6BB will guide your GPS directly to the theatre.
Parking
There is a large choice of fee-charging car parks in Stratford-upon-Avon. A car drop-off point is located directly outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for convenient passenger set-down. Electric Vehicle Charging: If you're travelling by electric vehicle, you can charge at the Monta EV charging point in the car park at The Other Place Theatre on Southern Lane. Parking whilst charging is free, though please move your vehicle once charging is complete. The Bridgeway multi-storey car park also has electric vehicle charging points and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Accessible Parking: There are ten Blue Badge parking bays on Waterside directly outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and seven bays on Chapel Lane, the road opposite the Swan Theatre. These spaces are free of charge when displaying a blue badge and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Southern Lane also has on-road parking for blue badge holders, available in any bay free of charge when displaying a blue badge.
By Bicycle
The theatre is accessible via National Cycle Network Route 41, and there are bicycle racks outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre building for secure bike storage.
By Train
Stratford-upon-Avon is a short walk from the train station, making it easily accessible by rail from major cities across the UK.
Dining and Refreshments
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre offers excellent dining options for theatregoers, all operating cashless payment systems.
Rooftop Restaurant
The stunning Rooftop Restaurant is located on the third floor of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, offering spectacular views over the River Avon and Stratford-upon-Avon. Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday from midday for dining
- On matinée days: 11am for tea and coffee, 11:30am for dining
- Closed Sundays
Menu: The restaurant serves the best of British food with seasonal menus including lunch, pre-theatre dining, and afternoon teas featuring freshly baked scones and a selection of sweet and savoury treats. Gift vouchers are available.
Riverside Cafe
The Riverside Cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere with views of the River Avon. Opening Hours:
- Open daily
- Takeaway drinks from 9am
- Fully open from 10am
Menu: Selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and sandwiches - perfect for a quick bite before exploring Stratford or catching a show.
Susie's Cafe Bar
Opening Hours: Open from 10am to 4pm every day
The Swan Bar
Opening Hours: Open from one hour pre-show until the end of the interval
Interval Drinks
Pre-ordering interval drinks is available to avoid long queues. Simply order ahead and collect your pre-ordered items from the allocated bar during the interval, ensuring you don't miss any of the performance.
Accessibility
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is committed to ensuring all visitors can enjoy their experience.
Wheelchair Access
The entire building is fully accessible with lifts to all levels (there were no public lifts in the previous building). The transformation project tripled the number of dedicated wheelchair spaces in the auditorium, and there are accessible toilets on all levels.
Mobility Access
Steps have been removed from the riverside walk, creating a seamless accessible route. There are lift access points to all levels of the theatre, ensuring no barriers to access throughout the building.
Blue Badge Parking
As mentioned above, there are 17 dedicated Blue Badge parking bays across three locations near the theatre, all free of charge when displaying a valid blue badge.
Assisted Performances
The RSC offers various assisted performances throughout the season. Check the Game of Thrones: The Mad King assisted performances page on the RSC website for specific dates and booking information.
Planning Your Visit
Booking Information
Due to expected high demand for Game of Thrones: The Mad King, tickets are limited to 4 per person. Priority Booking: RSC Members and Supporters can access priority booking from 14 April 2026. To become a member and receive early access, visit rsc.org.uk/join Public Booking: Public booking dates will be announced in April 2026 Ticket Prices: Detailed ticket pricing information will be available in April 2026 Where to Book: Tickets will be available via the RSC website at rsc.org.uk
Content Advisory
Game of Thrones: The Mad King deals with mature themes appropriate to the source material. For more information on the themes and content of the play, visit the content advisory page on the RSC website.
What to Expect
This is a sweeping stage epic featuring the world of George R.R. Martin brought to life by the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. The production features the combined talents of creator George R.R. Martin, adaptor Duncan Macmillan, and director Dominic Cooke. The production is co-produced with Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, Mark Manuel, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures on behalf of HBO, and Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen for Access Entertainment.
Additional Venue Features
Tower and Viewing Platform
The 36-metre-high tower provides not only circulation throughout the building but also offers a 32-metre-high viewing platform with panoramic views across Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.
PACCAR Room
The PACCAR Room serves as an exhibition space, often featuring displays related to current productions and the RSC's history.
Riverside Walk
A riverside walk stretches from the Bancroft Gardens, past the theatre, towards Holy Trinity Church (Shakespeare's burial place), offering a scenic route before or after your performance.
The Colonnade
The Colonnade links the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre together for the first time, creating a unified theatrical complex.
Nearby Attractions
While in Stratford-upon-Avon, consider visiting:
- Shakespeare's Birthplace
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage
- Holy Trinity Church (Shakespeare's burial place)
- The River Avon and Bancroft Gardens
- Tudor World Museum
- Harvard House
Essential Information Summary
Address: Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB Capacity: 1,040+ seats (thrust stage configuration) Performance: Game of Thrones: The Mad King - Summer 2026 Booking Opens: Priority 14 April 2026, Public TBA April 2026 Parking: Multiple fee-charging car parks; free Blue Badge spaces available Accessibility: Fully accessible with lifts, wheelchair spaces, and accessible toilets Dining: Rooftop Restaurant, Riverside Cafe, Susie's Cafe Bar, The Swan Bar Payment: Cashless only throughout the venue For the latest updates on Game of Thrones: The Mad King and booking information, sign up for email updates at rsc.org.uk or follow @TheRSC on social media.