The Royal Shakespeare Company has cancelled the first week of preview performances of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King in Stratford-upon-Avon, including the scheduled show on 25 July. The late cancellations have angered ticket holders who had already paid for travel and accommodation, particularly because the remaining performances are sold out and rebooking is largely unavailable.

The production had been due to begin previews on 20 July, open on 8 August and close on 5 September. The RSC gave no specific reason for the cancellations, apologised for the disruption and said affected customers would receive automatic full refunds including fees; it has not confirmed whether further performances will be affected.