The "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" preview in London earlier this week was positively received by viewers. J.K. Rowling's mystical world of witches and wizards is back, this time landing on a new stage production in London.
Set 19 years following the author's book about Harry Potter and his pals Ron and Hermione, the play opened for review on June 7, Tuesday, at Palace Theatre, London. Queues snaked for metres while those who had tickets were anxious to get in.
Played by Jamie Parker, Sam Clemmet and Poppy Miller as Potter, Albus Severus Potter and Ginny Potter, the play is the series' eighth story split in two parts. It follows the trio into adulthood as Potter is already a hardworking employee of the Ministry of Magic while coping with the struggles of his youngest son Albu with the family legacy.
The play's playright and screenwriter is Jack Thorne while John Tiffany directs. The show is officially sold out so getting tickets by now is a big challenge, TimeOut reported.
Those who have watched the play were enchanted with the overall production. One audience tweeted it is fantastic, more likeable than the films. An audience posted that the play has never-been-seen visual effects. Rowling asked those who have watched the play not to spoil the story for others.
The franchise which launched Daniel Radcliffe to heights still hits fans though the actor is not a part of it. The play's June 7 review missed the Harry Potter in films, actor Radcliffe himself.
With regard to missing the London play's performance, the actor has a heartwarming explanation. He does not want to steal the show.
"I feel like if I went to see it that night, there's going to be a lot of Harry Potter fans there in the audience obviously and would that then become a thing," Radcliffe said when interviewed by E! News at the premiere of his new movie in New York. He added, "Would it be more about them watching me watch the show or would it take away from the show."
People can then watch the play without Radcliffe aka Mr. Potter around. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" will officially open on July 30 while the play's text will be released the following day.
Radcliffe may not be around in the London stage play but his fans can catch him in "Now You See Me 2" and "Swiss Army Man." The former is now showing in theaters while the latter will be on July 1.
Watch the Behind the Scenes of the new play at the Palace Theatre.