There’s a wonderful scene in which that long-gone sage, Albus Dumbledore (Edward James Hyland) leans out of his own portrait to speak to Harry.
The story is a brand-new one, but there are plenty of familiar pleasures. But unlike - or in spite of - their fathers, these two become fast friends.Īnd now that the stage is set and the principals have been introduced, relax and marvel at the wonders that greet the kids at Hogwarts.
And as he himself was advised almost 20 years ago, Harry tells his son to run straight at a brick wall: “Don’t stop and don’t be scared you’ll crash into it that’s very important.” That’s only the first scene, and already this show feels wondrous.Īlso at the station seeing off their own child, Rose (Susan Heyward), are Hermione Granger (Noma Dumezweni, who grows and grows in this role) and Ron Weasley (Paul Thornley, just as we’ve pictured him). Once on the Hogwarts Express, Albus meets Scorpius Malfoy (a brilliant Anthony Boyle), son of Harry Potter’s archenemy, Draco Malfoy (another classy performance from Alex Price). These doting parents are seeing off their son, Albus (a winning performance from Sam Clemmett) as he heads off to his first year of school at Hogwarts. A bit fascistic, to tell the truth.Īmong the travelers rushing about the station are Harry Potter (all grown up and played with grown-up authority by Jamie Parker) and his wife, Ginny (Poppy Miller). Rowling, Tiffany and Thorne) that the world we are about to enter is a predetermined, immutable reality fixed in time. Their regimented movements also advance the plot premise of playwright Jack Thorne (based on an original story by J.K. At King’s Cross Station in London, where the show opens, travelers march across the stage in formation, using their suitcases for multiple purposes that feel like coordinated dance moves. For a show that isn’t a musical, the production pulses with action thanks to movement designer Steven Hoggett’s inspired work.