*Showing: 21 October 2027 @ 1pm – this review may contain spoilers.
Hold onto your broomsticks, because the sensational stage show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now being performed as one part rather than two at the Palace Theatre in London. In celebration of ten years on the West End, the production has condensed the story into roughly three hours – and it is just as magical as ever.
Set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, the story follows Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy as they navigate the wizarding world under the heavy burden of their parents’ legacies. Sorted into Slytherin, Albus struggles under the pressure to find his place at Hogwarts. His only friend is Scorpius, a fellow Slytherin and the son of Draco Malfoy, though Scorpius is nothing like his father. Together, they are swept into a adventure involving time travel, saving the world, and discovering where they truly belong.
I first saw the show in its original two-part form in August 2016, and I was absolutely blown away by both the production and the original storyline. Although I therefore had some idea of the plot going into this performance, it was still just as impressive. Even condensed into one part, the story packs a punch, and I remain in awe of the craftsmanship and attention to detail. I particularly loved the moments where Albus and Scorpius are swimming in the lake, and the way it felt like we were watching them dive beneath the surface. And even the moments with the Time-Turner and the alternative timelines were cleverly done.
What I loved most were the small moments of stage magic: the Polyjuice Potion, objects appearing and disappearing, and cast members becoming part of the set. These touches capture the essence of the wizarding world beautifully. The actors draw the audience in completely, making the experience feel genuinely immersive. I also loved the cameos from fan favourites and the nods to the original Harry Potter books such as; Severus Snape, Professor Umbridge and even Lord Voldemort – and I absolutely adored Moaning Myrtle! The dementors were frighteningly good, and returning to Hogwarts through this production was an absolute delight. The cast were superb and really captured the mannerisms of the original characters and even brings a maturity to Harry, Ron and Hermione which, of course, isn’t seen in books as adults. The actor for Scorpius was particularly captivating with their ability to capture the awkward and slightly nerdy personality that couldn’t be farther from Scorpius’s father.
Visitors should be aware that this is a serious production rather than a parody or pantomime of Harry Potter, and it stands firmly on its own. It does help to have some familiarity with the earlier books or films, which may be its only real drawback – but, ultimately, it does not detract from the experience. A few moments were slightly difficult to follow, largely because the production has to establish so much context in a shorter runtime making the beginning sequences a little rushed. Ron’s excellent comedic timing cuts through the darker moments, while throwbacks to the original books – including the Triwizard Tournament and Time-Turners – add an extra layer of nostalgia. The story also takes a darker turn, exploring grief, loss, and relationships. Scorpius and Albus’s sexuality is subtly touched upon, though never explicitly stated. I wonder if this ambiguity is left intentional, especially as one scene towards the end of the play appeared to allude to the build-up of a kiss that never happens.
Overall, this is an exciting production that will bring plenty of joy to fans. While a few moments lean into parody, particularly during the wand battles, I loved how the magic of Hogwarts was translated to the stage and exceptionally well-executed throughout. With such a strong cast, this newly condensed version remains a powerful production – one that asks the audience to suspend reality for a few hours and welcomes them back to Hogwarts.
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Amy is a writer and reviewer and her action-packed debut novel, CORNELIA FAIRFIELD AND THE DARKENED HEART is available in paperback from WATERSTONES and independent bookshops, and ebook (with an exclusive bonus chapter only on Kindle / Kindle Unlimited AMAZON)Book 2 is coming spring 2027.
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