I finally had a chance to catch the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany and is currently being performed at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto. What a spellbinding afternoon! Awarded the Best Play at the 2018 Tony Awards, this play breaks ground in its awe-inspiring technical innovations and magical illusions.
For fans who have read the Harry Potter book series, the play is set 19 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which is the final novel in the main Harry Potter series. In a nutshell, the plot is as follows: Harry is now the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, while his son Albus is attending his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Albus befriends fellow classmate Scorpius Malfoy and the two boys end up being bullied at Hogwarts for different reasons. Like many fathers and sons, Harry and Albus have a fight – in this case, due to the different experiences each had at Hogwarts – after which Harry and Scorpius borrow the Time-Turner to go back in time to change history.
Overall, the cast was delightful although I did have trouble hearing some of the lines of the younger actors in Act 1. Some of the stand-out performances are as follows:
Thomas Mitchell Barnet as Scorpius Malfoy does lovely inflections with his voice, which emphasize his character’s gentle and kind nature and subtle humour.
Antoinette Robinson brings a strong presence and authority to her role as Hermione Granger.
Steven Sutcliffe as Albus Dumbledore radiates a solemn wisdom, making us appreciate how pivotal his role was as headmaster to young Harry.
Neil Austin’s spectacular lighting design establishes a wizardry atmosphere, particularly dynamic in Act 2 when the writing covers the theatre walls.
Set Designer Christine Jones has created an engaging set that completely transports the audience to Harry Potter‘s world. Dizzying Time-Turners, moving staircases, which the actors use brilliantly to exit the stage and an on-stage water tank are just some of the features that add to the magic.
Even if you’ve never read the Harry Potter books, you will want to see this show due to Jamie Harrison’s incredible illusions and magic tricks: books fly off the shelf, chairs levitate and characters morph into other characters. It’s an extraordinary production that you won’t want to miss!
Please keep in mind that this production contains theatrical haze, fog, open flame and loud noises. The play is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre is running until July 2, 2023. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre is located at 244 Victoria Street. Purchase tickets online or at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre Box Office.
You may be interested in reading, “Canadian Stage’s Fairview at Berkeley Street Theatre: REVIEW“.
This sounds like a fabulous show for Harry Potter fans! I always love going to the theatre.
I so want to see this! I have long been a Harry Potter fan.
Oh, I would love to see this one! The storyline is intriguing and combined with well-executed magic tricks and illusions? It sounds amazing!
Thank you for the review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It has been a few years since we watched any Harry Potter movies – and I didn’t watch this one when the family did. We may add to movie night soon!
Hi Stephanie, I’m not sure if this one is out in movie form yet! Cheers, Lori
OMG, what a coincidence I went past somewhere showing this the other day. I need to get tickets it does sound like a great show for Harry Potter fans. I might even take the kids!!
Hi Melanie, This is a fabulous show. If you can get tickets, I highly recommend it! Cheers, Lori
I am one of the few who have never read the books. I need to check this out.
Hi Tara, You don’t really need to read the books to appreciate the play. Cheers, Lori
I actually have never read any of the books or seen the movies. I hate admitting that! My kids would love to see this though.
Hi Monica, I have read only one Harry Potter book and I still loved the play! Cheers, Lori
It sounds like you had a spellbinding afternoon experiencing the awe-inspiring technical innovations and magical illusions of the play. Your insights into the performances of the cast, particularly Thomas Mitchell Barnet as Scorpius Malfoy, Antoinette Robinson as Hermione Granger, and Steven Sutcliffe as Albus Dumbledore, were appreciated. It’s great to hear that the set design by Christine Jones and the illusions by Jamie Harrison added to the magic of the production.
Hi LavandaMichelle, I indeed had a spellbinding afternoon! Thank you for your comments! Cheers, Lori
I’ve always love Harry Potter! I watch all of their movies and it was absolutely fantastic! This would be a really wonderful experience for sure
Hi Richelle, It was amazing to see how they transferred the magic illusions from the book to the play! Cheers, Lori
My son would love to play this game. I’ll have to let him know it’s out when he gets home from school.
Hi Christy, This was actually the Harry Potter play that I saw. I’m sure your son would love it! Cheers, Lori
I’ve heard that the screenplay was very exciting, so I can imagine the play itself for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is even more-so.
The play was thrilling! Better than the Harry Potter movies! Cheers, Lori
This sounds like such a fun experience! 🙂
Wow! I would’ve loved to visit and watch this! I just finish watching the entire series last year. I loved it.
What an awesome experience! This is a must do family activity! Everyone in my family would love it!
Hi Catalina, I agree…it’s a great play for the whole family to see! Cheers, Lori
I always enjoy there Harry Potter movies and I bet a live show is an amazing thing to see and I would totally love to! My whole family would enjoy this 😉
Hi Melissa, The play was even better than the movies. It was incredible to see how they performed the magic and illusions! Cheers, Lori
Man, how I wish I was back in Toronto. I’m confident my daughter would absolutely love this.
Hi Nahashon, I’m sure your daughter and you would enjoy it. It’s an amazing play! Cheers, Lori
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