Harry Potter and the Cursed Child casts a spell over Melbourne
The new reimagined production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opened last Thursday at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre to a full standing ovation, with critics heralding it a “bewitching triumph” (Time Out).
Harry Potter novices and fans alike were enthralled by the new action-packed adventure, which saw “the opening night crowd cheering deliriously with every trick, twist and reveal” (Herald Sun).
The Age confirmed it “remains a must-see”, and “a spectacular stage rollercoaster into the Potter universe”.
Time Out declared, “less is more in this one-show version”, while the “emotional poignancy that thrives beyond the whizbangs of the wand work shines even brighter.”
Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender were touched by the rapturous response on Thursday night: “It’s truly wonderful to see how Melbourne has wholeheartedly embraced the new one-part production, and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredibly skilled and talented Australian company who are bringing this beautiful story to new audiences night after night.”
“Must-see entertainment”
★★★★★ – Limelight
“One of the most authentic, moving, beautifully told coming out stories ever seen on stage”
★★★★★ – Time Out
“Enthralling theatre”
★★★★ – The Age
“Long may it cast a spell at the Princess”
– Herald Sun
Originally a two-part epic event, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now reimagined as a fast-paced, one-part play, so audiences can now experience the full spectacular in one sitting and with just one ticket in hand.
Melbourne’s Princess Theatre is the home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Australia, having undergone a $6 million renovation in 2018 to house the extensive technical wizardry seen on stage.
Last month, the show broke the record for most tickets sold of any stage play in Australia, selling over one million tickets. An estimated 326,500 people saw the show in its first year, topping any previous record set by a stage play in the history of Australian theatre, with over half of these attendees made up of first-time theatregoers.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter canon and the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play holds a record 60 major honours, with nine Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Play and six Tony Awards® including Best New Play and has been seen by millions of people worldwide.
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child features movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison and music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe. International Casting Consultant is Jim Carnahan (CSA) and Australian casting by Janine Snape (CGA). Executive Producer of the Australian production is Michael Cassel.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is supported by the Victorian Government’s annual Major Events Fund, through Visit Victoria.
About the Author
Adrian Gunning Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.
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