Up until recently, the limit of our knowledge about the upcoming Harry Potter play was its title – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – and that it centred on not just Harry Potter (now an employee for the Ministry of Magic) but also his oldest son, Albus Severus. “As past and present fuse ominously,” the official synopsis reads, “both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”
We’ve also heard from J.K. Rowling herself that theatre is “the only proper medium for the story”, and that the play will be split into two parts, to be viewed either in the same day or on consecutive nights. But Rowling isn’t in charge of the script, just the story – This Is England writer is in charge of the words.
Back in December, the actors playing the books’ central trio of Ron, Hermione and Harry were announced: Jamie Parker as Harry, Paul Thornley as Ron and Noma Dumezweni as Hermione. And now to that roster you can add Poppy Miller as Ginny and newcomer Sam Clemmett as Albus Severus.
Ahead of the first preview of the show, just one week away, Pottermore has released photos of family members Harry, Albus Severus and Ginny in costume. Enjoy:
Harry, Albus and Ginny Potter from #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. 1st public preview in one week's time! pic.twitter.com/0JyvEqtcyJ
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) May 31, 2016
Albus Potter (@sam_clemmett) – ready for Hogwarts. #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild 1st public preview, a week today! pic.twitter.com/3WBvQrdTh7
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) May 31, 2016
Ginny Potter played by Poppy Miller in #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild. 1st public preview in one week! pic.twitter.com/HSmOkVIFKx
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) May 31, 2016
#HarryPotter, 19yrs later. Played by Jamie Parker in #HarryPotterPlay #CursedChild 1st public preview in one week! pic.twitter.com/RlkLURxRjr
— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (@CursedChildLDN) May 31, 2016
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child parts one and two open on July 30 at the Palace Theatre in London; the following day the script book will be released to the public, so even if you haven’t managed to get tickets, you’ll be able to find out what happens.