While its storyline can drag on for a bit here and there, and it is by no means the best-written chapter in the expansive Harry Potter multimedia franchise, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of those theatrical experiences everyone should see in their lifetime. While almost five hours in length, the time flies by as if influenced by magic, or rather the bounty of “stage magic” that unfolds in every scene that takes place on-stage. But in what is likely to be a controversial decision, from May 2022, the two-part experience is being “Reimagined”, and being adapted into a refined one-part, one-matinee/evening performance in Melbourne.
Following the work done on Broadway, the producers behind the Australian production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child have today confirmed that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Magic Reimagined will have its Australian premiere in May 2022 at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre. I will say that this decision saddens me. The two-part extended delivery of the story was one that I think the overall experience greatly benefited from and was a unique talking point of the play. However, hopefully, this adapted version will at least prove to be a more affordable experience for families, making finances less of a barrier to entry given the worldwide acclaim of the Harry Potter franchise. And given that this does not appear to be merely a haphazard reaction to our new normal following COVID, hopefully, the creative team, in their work to refine the experience, can deliver even more magic in its condensed format!
The two-part play will continue its performances until 27 March 2022 (tickets can still be booked online), following which it will have a temporary hiatus and be re-opened to audiences in May 2022. Tickets to the reimagined performances are set to go on sale from 19 November 2021. The waitlist for these tickets is available HERE.
We are incredibly excited that our reimagined production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will open in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre next year.
After exploring a single show experience for North American audiences, it became clear that this new version of our glorious play should be presented for our audiences in Melbourne later next year. The production is set around the same powerful narrative, while delivering all the amazing illusions, stagecraft, and storytelling that have captivated audiences and critics alike. Harry’s story is now told eight times a week.
The support for the Australian production of Cursed Child since its premiere in 2019, has been overwhelming. The continued backing from our patrons, who have often had to rebook multiple times over the past 18 months has inspired us as theatre makers to ensure we can continue to bring magic and entertain audiences. We thank you for your confidence.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a story about community, family, and the power of friendship, a story that reminds us that together and united we have the strength to overcome all odds. It is truly a story of our time.
Sonia Friedman & Colin Callender – Producers
Revisiting the play has been an illuminating process of rediscovery; we challenged ourselves to find a new way to distill our story in the simplest and most truthful way possible. And together with Steven Hoggett’s enchanting movement, Jamie Harrison’s astonishing illusions and the entire creative team’s shared belief in the magic of pure theatre – we hope to have achieved just that.
Jack Thorne (Playwright) and John Tiffany (Director)
About Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Magic Reimagined
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.
The first reimagined production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will make its world premiere on Broadway, 16 November 2021. San Francisco and Toronto will also return to the stage with the reimagined production, while the West End (London) and Hamburg (Germany) productions will continue with the two-part format.
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.
