Christmas has come early for Harry Potter fans, as the producers of new stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child reveal who has been cast in the lead roles. Seasoned stage actors Jamie Parker, Noma Dumezweni and Paul Thornley will play Harry, Hermione and Ron respectively.
The play has already been the subject of serious attention, with eager fans buying up tickets at a record rate. The show, whose previews begin in May 2016, is heavily sold well into 2017 as Harry Potter hysteria shows no signs of slowing down. It will be staged at Palace Theatre in London’s West End.
‘I’m so excited with the choice of casting for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,’ said author J K Rowling, who has co-written the new play with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. ‘I can’t wait to see Jamie, Noma and Paul bring the adult Harry, Hermione and Ron to life on stage next summer.’
Parker is currently playing Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Savoy Theatre, and recently starred in High Society at the Old Vic. Dumezweni is known both for her television appearances (Doctor Who, EastEnders) and for her work at Royal Court Theatre. Thornley has a number of TV, stage and film credits to his name, and is currently filming new series The Crown for Netflix.
The play will be directed by Tiffany, with the script by Thorne based on an original story by Rowling, Thorne and Tiffany. The story is set several years after the books end. Harry Potter now works at the ministry of magic and has a son Albus, who – along with his dad – has to confront a new evil uprising.
It has been split into two parts, with the intention that the audience see both parts on the same day (matinee and evening) or on two consecutive evenings. Running times have yet to be announced, and details of the rest of the 30-strong cast will be released at a later date.
Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender’s Playground Entertainment and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions are producing the Cursed Child, which features music by Imogen Heap and movement direction from Steven Hoggett.