The first Game of Thrones stage spin-off has been launched by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the verdict from most theatre critics is that it's a worthy addition to the epic fantasy franchise. Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a prequel set shortly before the events of George RR Martin's first book and the all-conquering TV series, officially opened at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon this weekend. The Telegraph awarded four stars to the "spellbinding spectacle", while the Guardian's four-star review said it features "spectacular stagecraft and plenty of modern resonance". The Times was more lukewarm, giving three stars and saying the play "lacks pace, sex and gore".