If you haven’t yet experienced the stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the time may be now. It’s a compelling story full of wizardry, magic, and the once two-part production has been streamlined as regular theatre.
That said, many would assume that a reduced format would remove all the great content, but such is not the case. By creating a more concise and faster-paced version, the story, characters, and themes have become more poignant.
Michael Whalley, Paula Arundell, Tom Russell, Lucy Goleby, Gareth Reeves, Ben Walter – Photo credit Michelle Grace Hunder
The story is understandably one shrouded in mystery, after all, its promotional hashtag is #keeptheserects, and what Harry Potter fan wants a spoiler? But it’s safe to say the scenario begins nineteen years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Potter is now an official at the Ministry of Magic – Head of Magical Law Enforcement – and along with wife Ginny, has a son named Albus Severus. Like the generation before, Albus begins his educational adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he befriends Scorpius Malfoy, son of the infamous Draco.
The plot is best left there, but suffice to say it involves parenthood, puberty blues, friendship, sacrifice, and plenty of magical feats including time travel.
Michael Whalley, Paula Arundell, Lachlan Woods, Gareth Reeves, Lucy Goleby – Photo credit Michelle Grace Hunder
First premiering in 2016, the theatrical spin-off from the Harry Potter franchise was developed by J. K. Rowling and John Tiffany, with the major work written by Jack Thorne. Directed by Tiffany, it’s gone on to win over 60 honours, including six Tonys and nine Laurence Olivier Awards.
Continuing in the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione are Gareth Reeves, Paula Arundell, and Michael Whalley, with Lucy Goleby also returning as Ginny Potter. Among the new cast is Lachlan Woods, playing Draco Malfoy with all the characteristics of a true Slytherin. Having recently worked on Sydney’s production of North by Northwest, Woods is also remembered as Freddie Mercury in the television miniseries Molly.
Lachlan Woods (Draco Malfoy), Gareth Reeves (Harry Potter), Natasha Herbert (Minerva McGonagall), Lucy Goleby (Ginny Potter) photo credit Michelle Grace Hunder
But it is Ben Walter and Nyx Calder as Albus and Scorpius who steal the show. While the characters bond throughout the story, it’s easy to see a similar dynamic shared between the actors.
The shortened version of the play first came about in 2021 for Broadway audiences, with San Francisco, Toronto and Melbourne following suit. Meanwhile, London and Hamburg have continued with the existing two-part production.
Lachlan Woods (Draco Malfoy), Gareth Reeves (Harry Potter) – photo credit Michelle Grace Hunder
To call the new version retooled would be un-flattering, after all, nothing needed fixing. It’s more a case of a reimagining to suit its reduced time length (around three hours). To that end, there isn’t a noticeable difference to the original – only that it’s been enhanced.
The stagecraft and magical effects are simply mindboggling to downright scary. Melbourne’s Princess Theatre is regal enough, but the gothic stage sets are so creative that the audience are drawn into the story – goosebumps level!
Jessica Vickers (Delphi Diggory), Nyx Calder (Scorpius Malfoy) and Ben Walter (Albus Potter) – Photo credit Michelle Grace Hunder
But the greatest aspect of the show comes through the story’s relationships, particularly between Albus and Scorpius. Again, it’s best to keep the secrets, but rest assured at the core of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, there is a love story.
Reducing the time of this production may well have proved a blessing, because when scratched beneath the surface, the Harry Potter world has some true diversity at its heart.
For more visit: au.harrypottertheplay.com
