Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Official poster of the 2016 West End production
Written by
Characters
Original language English
Series Harry Potter
Subject Harry Potter and his son Albus Severus
Genre
Setting Wizarding world

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an upcoming two-part West End stage play and a book written by Jack Thorne and based on a story by author J. K. Rowling, Thorne and director John Tiffany. The play is scheduled to open on 30 July 2016 at the Palace Theatre, London, England, and will feature Rowling collaborating with an experienced team to bring the production to the stage. The play is set nineteen years after the ending of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and follows Harry Potter, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his youngest son Albus Severus Potter.

Synopsis

The play's official synopsis was released on 23 October 2015:[1]

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

Background

In December 2013, it was revealed that a stage play based on Harry Potter had been in development for around a year,[2] with the view to bringing it to the stage sometime in 2016.[3] Created by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter series spans seven novels, selling more than 450 million copies, and was turned into an eight-part film series, which grossed more than £4.4 billion around the world.[4] In addition, theme park attractions such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter[5] and studio tours of the sets used in the films have opened based around the series.[6] At the time of the announcement, Rowling revealed that the play would “explore the previously untold story of Harry’s early years as an orphan and outcast”.[7] The following May, Rowling began establishing the creative team for the project.[8]

On 26 June 2015, the project was officially confirmed under the title of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,[9] and it was revealed it would receive its world premiere in mid-2016 at London's Palace Theatre.[10] The announcement marked the eighteenth anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,[11] published on 26 June 1997.[12]

On announcing plans for the project, Rowling stated that the play would not be a prequel.[13] In response to queries regarding the choice of a play rather than a new novel, Rowling has stated that she “is confident that when audiences see the play they will agree that it is the only proper medium for the story”.[14] Rowling has also assured audiences that the play will contain an entirely new story and will not be a rehashing of previously explored content.[15] On 24 September 2015, Rowling announced that the play had been split into two parts.[16] The parts are designed to be viewed on the same day or consecutively over two evenings.[17][18] The decision to split the story into two plays was described as "milking cash-cows" by The Spectator, which complained that "fans have to buy two tickets to ensure they get the full story."[19]

On 23 October, it was confirmed the plays were set nineteen years after the conclusion of the final novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,[20] and would open at London's Palace Theatre in July 2016.[21] The play principally follows Harry, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his youngest son Albus Severus Potter.[22]

Production

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is written by British playwright Jack Thorne,[23] based on an original story by J. K. Rowling, Thorne and John Tiffany.[24]

The play is directed by Tiffany,[25] with choreography by Steven Hoggett,[26] set design by Christine Jones,[27] costume design by Katrina Lindsay,[28] lighting design by Neil Austin,[29] music by Imogen Heap,[30] and sound design by Gareth Fry.[31] In addition, special effects will be created by Jeremy Chernick,[32] with illusions by Jamie Harrison, and musical supervision by Martin Lowe.[33]

The show's premiere production is scheduled to begin previews at the West End's Palace Theatre, London on 7 June 2016, with the official opening night for both parts on 30 July,[34] booking until 18 September 2016.[35] Tickets went on sale to pre-registered priority bookers on 28 October 2015, with a public sale scheduled to commence on 30 October.[36] In just under 8 hours of priority booking 175,000 tickets were sold for the world premiere production,[37] with the plays booking period extended to January 2017.[38] On commencement of the public sale booking was extended until 30 April 2017,[39] with a further extension issued the same day to 27 May 2017.[40] At opening tickets were priced from £30 up to £130 for a ticket for both parts,[41] although ticket resale agencies were selling seats for up to £3,000.[37] Ticket resale has been banned by the producers, with tickets no longer valid if sold on.[42] The play is recommended for ages 10 and up.[43]

On 20 December 2015, initial casting was announced with Jamie Parker playing Harry Potter, Noma Dumezweni playing Hermione Granger and Paul Thornley playing Ron Weasley.[44][45][46] Some fans were surprised that a dark-skinned, Swaziland-born Noma Dumezweni was cast as Hermione, sparking fervent online discussion. In response, Rowling said that Hermione's skin was never specified as having been white.[19][47] The production features an overall cast of 42.[48][49]

Principal roles and original cast

Character West End performer
Harry Potter Jamie Parker
Ron Weasley Paul Thornley
Hermione Granger Noma Dumezweni

Publication

On 10 February 2016, it was announced that both parts of the stage play's script would be released in print and digital formats as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II.[50] It will receive a first edition, entitled "Special Rehearsal Edition", corresponding to the preview shows and will be published on 31 July 2016,[51] the date of Harry's birthday in the series and Rowling's birthday, as well.[52] At a later date it will be re-released as a "Definitive Collector’s Edition".[53]

References

  1. ↑ "About The Show". Harrypottertheplay.com. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  2. ↑ "J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" in Development for West End Stage Premiere". Playbill. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  3. ↑ "Harry Potter turned into stage play". The Guardian. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  4. ↑ "Harry Potter To Make West End Theatre Debut". Sky (United Kingdom). 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  5. ↑ "Universal hopes Harry Potter's magic will last". Orlando Sentinel. 17 June 2010. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  6. ↑ Williams, Holly (18 March 2015). "The Railway Children stage show and Harry Potter studio celebrate the golden age of steam". The Independent (London). Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  7. ↑ Battersby, Matilda (26 June 2015). "JK Rowling confirms new Harry Potter story for the theatre". The Independent (London). Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  8. ↑ "JK Rowling to collaborate on Harry Potter play for West End". The Guardian. 9 May 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  9. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a new play by JK Rowling, will hit the West End in 2016". The Daily Telegraph (London). 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  10. ↑ "JK Rowling reveals new Harry Potter theatre show". The Scotsman. Edinburgh Evening News. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  11. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to open in 2016". bbc.co.uk/news (BBC News). 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  12. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". bloomsbury.com. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  13. ↑ "Here's The One Thing J.K. Rowling Wants Everyone To Know About The New Harry Potter Play". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  14. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play to debut in London in 2016". The Sydney Morning Herald. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  15. ↑ "'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child': Everything you need to know". mashable.com. 27 June 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  16. ↑ "JK Rowling reveals new Harry Potter play will be two-part epic". The Independent. The Independent. 25 September 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  17. ↑ "First peek at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play". bbc.co.uk/newsbeat. BBC Newsbeat. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  18. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play to be split in two". The Guardian. 25 September 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  19. 1 2 Maltby, Kate. "There's nothing confusing about a black actress playing Hermione Granger - Spectator Blogs". Spectator Blogs. Retrieved 23 December 2015. JK Rowling tweeted this morning that she’d never specified Hermione’s skin colour in the books
  20. ↑ "In New Play, Harry Potter Is a Father". The New York Times. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  21. ↑ "ere’s How You Can See ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’ Without Robbing Gringotts". MTV. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  22. ↑ "Grown-up Harry must juggle working at the Ministry of Magic with being a father to three children, including his youngest Albus.". Sky (United Kingdom). 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  23. ↑ "Harry Potter and the biggest West End show EVER". Daily Mail (London). 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  24. ↑ "World Premiere Of New Play To Open In London In 2016". harrypottertheplaylondon.com. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  25. ↑ "Harry Potter Coming Back, This Time on Stage in New Play". The New York Times. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  26. ↑ "World Premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Sets London Premiere". Playbill. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  27. ↑ "'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' Play Planned for 2016". Rolling Stone. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  28. ↑ Barraclough, Leo (26 June 2015). "Harry Potter Play to Open in London Next Year". Variety. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  29. ↑ "‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’ To Open In London’s West End Summer 2016". deadline.com. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  30. ↑ "JK Rowling reveals new Harry Potter stage play". The Scotsman. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  31. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play to open in London in 2016, JK Rowling confirms". Digital Spy. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  32. ↑ "Harry Potter stage play to premiere in the West End next summer". The Stage. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  33. ↑ "HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD TO BE PRESENTED IN TWO PARTS". soniafriedman.com. 25 September 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  34. ↑ "How to get tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child". whatsonstage.com. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  35. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ticket sale: Over 175,000 tickets sell in just eight hours". The Independent. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  36. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: West End play focuses on Harry's youngest son". The Guardian. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  37. 1 2 "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child run extended to April 2017 as touted tickets go on sale for £3,000". The Daily Telegraph. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  38. ↑ "More than 175,000 tickets for 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' on London's West End were snapped up in eight hours.". The Hollywood Reporter. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  39. ↑ "Extended booking dates confirmed for Harry Potter and The Cursed Child general sale". Digital Spy. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  40. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child extends booking YET AGAIN - this time to May 2017". Digital Spy. 30 October 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  41. ↑ "How to get tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child". whatsonstage.com. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  42. ↑ "Harry Potter Stage Show Producers Warn Scalpers That Resold Tix Will Not Fly". playbill.com. Playbill. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  43. ↑ "Your Questions Answered". harrypottertheplay.com. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  44. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child announces lead cast". bbc.co.uk/news. BBC News. 21 December 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  45. ↑ Hooton, Christopher (21 December 2015). "JK Rowling shuts down anyone with a problem about Hermione being black on Twitter: 'Frizzy hair is canon'". The Independent. Retrieved 21 December 2015. Responding to (a small pocket of) negative discussion of the casting, she tweeted: "Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione." UPDATE: Hold up, maybe the logic isn't quite so airtight.
  46. ↑ "In ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,’ a Black Actress Will Play Hermione". The New York Times. 21 December 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  47. ↑ J.K. Rowling [jk_rowling] (21 December 2015). "Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 20 January 2016.
  48. ↑ "42-Member Multicultural Cast Revealed for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child". playbill.com. Playbill. 26 February 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  49. ↑ "Full casting announced for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child". whatsonstage.com. Whats On Stage. 26 February 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  50. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to be eighth book". bbc.co.uk/news. BBC News. 10 February 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  51. ↑ "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Will Be Published in Book Form". time.com. Time. 10 February 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  52. ↑ "New Harry Potter book coming out in July: the play script". theguardian.com. The Guardian. 10 February 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  53. ↑ "Exciting publishing programme from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World". pottermore.com. Pottermore. 10 February 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2016.

External links

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