Multi-award-winning theatrical event Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will resume performances tonight, Thursday 25 February, after a hiatus of 49 weeks. The landmark production suspended a record-breaking run at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre after public health measures were required due to COVID 19.
“Bringing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child back to live audiences in Australia is an incredibly special and significant moment for us and the theatre community,” said Producers Sonia Friedman from London and Colin Callender from New York. “The unprecedented nature of the past year has been hugely transformative for all of us and we need the opportunity for escapism.”
“The power of art, performance, communal experiences and immersion into a magical story and world is something we need now, more than ever. Live theatre offers that release and has done for thousands of years – it’s a very powerful thing.”
“We are thrilled to bring our beloved artists back to work and that fans in Melbourne are first to experience the return of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to the stage globally. This moment gives us great hope and optimism for our other productions along with theatregoers and fans around the world. We are so excited to bring the magic back to the Princess Theatre in Melbourne.”
Australian Executive Producer Michael Cassel added: “Today is an incredibly special day not only for the extended global Harry Potter family, but for each and every member of the Australian Production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” he said.
“We want to thank them for their determination and resolve in returning this beautiful story to the Princess Theatre stage. Thanks must also go to the Victorian Government and our partners Visit Victoria for their unwavering support and to Marriner Theatres for steering our COVID safe return.”
“And finally, our audiences, who have stuck with us through these extraordinary times. Our best way of thanking you is to from tonight, with great pleasure, welcome you back to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” said Mr Cassel.
The Australian production officially opened with a magical red carpet performance on Saturday 23 February, 2019. Melbourne was the third city worldwide to welcome Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, after London and New York. It will unequivocally not play any other city in Australia. In its first year an estimated 326,500 people saw the show, well surpassing any previous record set by a stage play in the history of Australian theatre.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is led by Gareth Reeves as Harry Potter, Lucy Goleby as Ginny Potter, Sean Rees-Wemyss as Albus Potter, Paula Arundell as Hermione Granger, Michael Whalley as Ron Weasley, Manali Datar as Rose Granger-Weasley, Tom Wren as Draco Malfoy, and Nyx Calder as Scorpius Malfoy.
The company of 42 performers is completed by Lucy Ansell, Alexander Artemov, Iopu Auva’a, Damien Avery, Jai Bacak, Bonnie Barlow, Mike Bishop, Simon Chandler, Clare Chihambakwe, Luke Clayson, Louis Corbett, Gillian Cosgriff, Hannah Fredericksen, Helen Howard, Lyndall Grant, George Henare, Soren Jensen, Hamish Johnston, Amanda LaBonté, Debra Lawrance, Monet Lewis, Kuda Mapeza, James O’Connell, David Ross Paterson, Naomi Rukavina, John Shearman, David Simes, Liam Smith, David Spencer, Hayden Spencer, Slone Sudiro, Connor Sweeney, Archie Thomson, Jessica Vickers and Mackenzie Vokes.
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany. It is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. Both parts of the play are intended to be seen in order on the same day (matinee and evening) or on two consecutive evenings.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is directed by John Tiffany with 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.
To celebrate the return of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child new performances from Thursday 26 August through to Sunday 3 October 2021 will be released for sale at 11.00am on Friday 12 March 2021. Tickets are currently on sale via the official website, www.HarryPotterThePlay.com – for more information regarding visits to the theatre please refer to www.marrinergroup.com.au for details.
Image: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Australian Cast)