From Westeros to the West End! What to expect from the Game of Thrones play
It has been announced that a stage adaptation of the blockbuster book and TV series Game of Thrones is planned for both the West End and Broadway in 2023! But how can a story that cost $15 million per episode due to all the humungous dragons, epic sets and jaw-dropping fight sequences be effectively brought to life on the stage?
What will the Game of Thrones play be about?
Based on George RR Martin’s series of best-selling novels, the stage show is likely to feature a raft of the best-known characters from the series and be a bloody tale of love, revenge and prophecies. In a statement, Martin confirmed that the stage play is going to be set during a jousting tournament at Harrenhal during the Year of the False Spring – an event that was pivotal in sowing the seeds of future twists and turns in the plots of both the novels and the TV series.
Which characters will be included?
The story begins 16 years before the events of the Game of Thrones TV series and many of the most iconic and well-known characters are expected to appear in the brand new stage production. Look out for a young Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister, as well as members of some of the most infamous families including the Targaryens and Martells.
Who’s on the creative team?
Taking on the monumental task of turning this much-loved story into an epic stage show are playwright Duncan MacMillan and director Dominic Cooke. Martin has been involved throughout the early creative process. Further creatives have yet to be announced.
Where in the West End will the play open?
A venue hasn’t been confirmed but with the promises of an epic production, a run in one of the larger theatre’s in the West End is the only option. Theatre Royal Drury Lane has a huge stage and was the home of Lord of the Rings: The Musical back in 2006, another fantasy epic bought to life on stage. Alternatively, the Dominion Theatre, normally home of large-scale musicals, has one of the biggest stages in London and could accommodate the creative team’s grand plans.
How is this different to the books and TV series?
The play will be a brand new story, focussing on events that played an important role in the Game of Thrones universe but have only briefly been mentioned in the books so far. Martin recently signed a five-year deal with HBO to create more TV spin-offs from the hugely successful series that ran for eight seasons. He is also in the process of writing two final novels in the A Song of Fire and Ice series.
Are you excited for a stage adaptation of this iconic franchise, or is this a step too far? Which character are you most excited to see on stage? Who would you cast as Ned Stark? Game of Thrones is sure to be one of the hottest tickets in the West End when it opens in 2023. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
