Do you remember finishing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? How about seeing the cast wave their children off to Hogwarts in the final scene of the movie? It’s a bittersweet moment, joyful and heart wrenching in equal measure.
Well, Harry Potter fans, rejoice. Because it’s not over just yet…
Harry Potter and friends return this summer, this time to the stage. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child picks up where the books and movies left off, with the children of Harry, Ron and Hermione climbing on board the Hogwarts Express.
It’s been nine years since the release of the final book, five years since the last movie and 19 years since Voldemort was defeated. So, what exactly can the audience expect after all this time?
You probably won’t be shocked to learn that most of the finer details remain tightly under wraps, but here’s what we know so far…
It’s been almost 20 years since Harry Potter left Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Potter is now married to Ginny Weasley, Ron’s younger sister. The pair have three children of their own, while Ron and Hermione have also started a family together.
With Harry’s schooldays long behind him, he’s now employed by the Ministry of Magic. It’s there that a bedraggled looking Harry takes on the role of an Auror (think of it like a magical FBI).
Hermione has gone on to become the deputy head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, while Ron is running a joke shop. All three are now ageing celebrities trying to make their way in the world of magic.
Harry’s youngest son, Albus, is going to have to face up to the weight of his family’s legacy. There’s going to be some evil and possibly a curse on one of the children, although much is just speculation at this time.
How will the story be told?
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been split into two parts, much like the final Harry Potter films.
The first will be two hours and 45 minutes in length, the second two hours and 35 minutes. There will be 20-minute intervals in each part.
It’s recommended that audience members watch both parts on the same day, or at the very least on consecutive days.
Of course, details of the plot won’t remain a secret for long and it’s recommended that hard-core Potter fans book quickly to avoid disappointment.
In the meantime, it’s probably a good opportunity to reread the books and get back up to speed – there are sure to be plenty of twists and turns along the way.
