Well, this was unexpected. In addition to the multitude of Game of Thrones projects that are currently in the works, George R.R. Martin is bringing his cast of fantasy characters to the stage in 2023.
The play is currently in development with an official description reading, “The play will for the first time take audiences deeper behind the scenes of a landmark event that previously was shrouded in mystery.
“Featuring many of the most iconic and well-known characters from the series, the production will boast a story centred around love, vengeance, madness and the dangers of dealing in prophecy, in the process revealing secrets and lies that have only been hinted at until now.”
Martin, who is working alongside award-winning playwright Duncan MacMillan, said in a statement, “The seeds of war are often planted in times of peace. Few in Westeros knew the carnage to come when highborn and smallfolk alike gathered at Harrenhal to watch the finest knights of the realm compete in a great tourney, during the Year of the False Spring.
“It is a tourney oft referred during HBO’s Game of Thrones, and in my novels, A Song of Ice & Fire … and now, at last, we can tell the whole story… on the stage.”
No characters have yet been officially confirmed for the play, but The Hollywood Reporter offers that “according to Martin’s previously published books, attendees of the event included a young, shy Ned Stark, his rebellious sister Lyanna, cocky teenage Jaime Lannister, powerful Lord Robert Baratheon, lovestruck Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, dashing Prince Oberyn Martell and noble knight Ser Barristan Selmy.”
The plan is to debut the show on New York’s Broadway, London’s West End and in Australia with Martin saying, “An amazing team has been assembled to tell the tale, starting with producers Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and Jonathan Sanford. Their knowledge and love of my world and characters have impressed me from the very first, and their plans for this production blew me away since the first time we met.”
He concluded, “It ought to be spectacular.”
Australia’s live theatre seen is currently in an enviable position, given our effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is presently the only home to Hamilton and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, with The Phantom of the Opera scheduled to open later in 2021.
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