Harry Potter fans should cast aside J K Rowling’s books and get out their diaries as dates and details for the highly anticipated Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts I and II have been announced, with tickets going on sale next week.
The new wizarding tale, which is billed as “The eighth story, 19 years later” and follows Harry as a father of three school-age children, will begin previews at the Palace Theatre on 7 June.
Brought to the stage with the help of writer/director duo Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Rowling’s latest instalment will pick up where the final book ended. Now an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus struggles with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted, and both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth that darkness sometimes comes from unexpected places.
As previously announced, the play will be presented in two parts. 250 tickets for every performance will be available from £20 per part, with prices reduced to as little as £10 per part during previews. Following the lead of another of producer Sonia Friedman’s West End hits The Book Of Mormon, there will also be a lottery for reduced price tickets prior to every performance.
While casting details are still to be announced, it has been confirmed that more than 30 performers will take to the Palace Theatre’s stage to tell the latest story from the infamous Hogwarts attendee.
Also announced today are two new additions to the production’s creative team, with special effects and illusions to be provided by Jeremy Chernick and Jamie Harrison respectively.
Talking about her newest creation, Rowling said: “The story only exists because the right group of people came together with a brilliant idea about how to present Harry Potter on stage. I’m confident that when audiences see Harry Potter And The Cursed Child they will understand why we chose to tell this story in this way.”
The first booking period for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts I and II consists of 16 weeks, when Potter fans will be able to see both parts of the theatrical extravaganza on the same day by purchasing a ticket that allows them to see both parts on the same Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. For subsequent booking periods Wednesday matinees and evening performances can be bought separately, with Saturday and Sunday set to follow suit later in the run.
Tickets will be available through priority booking from 28 October before public booking opens on 30 October. Those eager to get hold of tickets for the initial booking period are encouraged to sign up for priority booking at www.harrypottertheplay.com