Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Melbourne opening night & review
It’s time for a brand new adventure! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now playing exclusively at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne – direct from Broadway!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is in Melbourne, now playing at the Princess Theatre!
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If you’re looking for a fantastic afternoon or evening out in Melbourne, I think we’ve found it for you!
This week we attended the opening night of the new theatre production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and it has cast its magical spell over Melbourne already!
Opening Night – the hottest event in Melbourne!
We had so much fun at the Melbourne Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production
The Opening Night event was held in the forecourt of the Princess Theatre, and had to be the best party in town!
A star studded VIP invitation-only event, there were shoulder-to-shoulder Melbourne elite, TV celebrities, social media influencers – and of course, die-hard Harry Potter fans! We felt so thrilled to be there.
See our Instagram post about Harry Potter And The Cursed Child with more photos here
Watch our Harry Potter And The Cursed Child opening night experience on YouTube
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One thing about Harry Potter is that everyone loves him! Attendees were embracing the theme en masse, and costumed appropriately. Robes twirled, scarves swung and wands swished and flicked everywhere. Because let’s face it – dressing up for Hogwarts is so much fun!
We pulled my girl’s precious Hogwarts robes out of the wardrobe and added a few new accessories, including my new favourite – a screaming Mandrake scarf!
The picture frames came alive at the opening night performance!
This premiere event took full advantage of the beloved magical Potter theme with several impressive installations. They proved perfect for fun family and Instagram photos.
The first thing to catch our eye entering the event was a massive flaming golden snitch dominating the forecourt. It was an impressive sight that served to emphasise the flickering, magical atmosphere.
As we circulated we posed for some really fun Harry Potter themed photos.
There was a Dumbledore picture frame you could step into, like the moving pictures on the walls at Hogwarts.
There was even a Platform 9¾ wall, complete with a half-through baggage trolley – so that you could pretend to make a run at the wall of course!
We tried to run through the wall to find Platform 9 and 3/4!
A red carpet photo wall was there too, and perhaps the most fun surprise of all – a trolley lady handing out chocolate!
The Hogwarts Express Trolley Lady
The trolley lady was just like the one in the Harry Potter movies on the Hogwarts Express! We were met with a cocky “Anything from the trolley, dears?”. Potter fans from way-back in, I thought my girls were going to jump for joy at the sight of her!
It wasn’t just my teenagers clamouring around her, either – adults left right and centre were excitedly lining up to interact with the trolley lady, and get their own chocolate! Harry Potter of course now has generations of adult fans too.
The Hogwarts Express trolley lady – Something from the trolley, dears?
A brand new version of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
This Wizarding World licensed production is a Potter Head’s dream! A brand new, reimagined version of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child that has been combined into one part instead of the original two part version. The result is a fast-paced exciting tale that is a delight to watch.
On with the show! Act 1
From the moment you enter the theatre, the atmosphere is other-worldly. You can hear eerie, indistinct train station platform calls echoing in the light-studded dim of the historic Princess Theatre.
The stage offers a mysterious glimpse at what is to come, with suitcases spotlighted by a station clock.
A levitating bowler hat is seemingly suspended above the stage, and you find yourself trying to puzzle out how it’s actually DOING THAT? The answer just may be – magic!
The stage for Part One of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is eerily lit!
The show starts off at a run, and at the appearance of each original character, there are audience roars of approval and love.
The whole gang is back for this play – Harry (Gareth Reeves), Ron (Michael Whalley), Ginny (Lucy Goleby), Hermione (Paula Arundell) and Draco (Lachlan Woods)…plus some fun surprise come-backs! But this magical tale is really all about the new generation. New characters to instantly adore such as Albus Potter (Ben Walter), Scorpius Malfoy (Nyx Calder) and Rose (Aisha Aidara) .
This play is very-much the story of what happens next – a continuation of the Harry Potter stories.
With a whirl of wizard and witches robes, scenes change and magical twists, turns and slight of hand illusions happen seamlessly.
Intermission
Intermission seemed to come all too soon, but somehow everyone replenished their drinks and snacks from the Princess Theatre bar in time to be back in their seats for the second act – no mean feat by theatre staff!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Chid Act 2
The Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Act 2 stage setting featured a Dark Mark
Act 2 was every bit as wonderful as the first, and the audience were so ready for it – you could feel the anticipation before it even began. After all, the stage was already set with an ominous Dark Mark!
I don’t want to go into too much detail or give out any spoilers, however I will say that this show takes you from wonder to joy and even to delighted fear!
The audience was completely caught up in what was happening on stage – and off of it!
Is the Harry Potter Play suitable for children?
My teenagers (and myself) loved this show. For older primary school aged children up, this would be a wonderful outing and magical experience. That said, I would probably leave the younger kids at home due to a scary section. Under-fours are not permitted at all.
A standing ovation
One things for sure- this new show is a highly entertaining, and often completely astonishing production that will have you on the edge of your seat.
At the end of the play as the cast came to take their bows they were met with a very well deserved, noisy standing ovation. It was an obvious seal of audience approval. This fabulous production is a hit – and a truly spellbinding way to spend a special night out in Melbourne.
Exclusive to Melbourne at the Princess Theatre
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now playing at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne
Book your tickets without delay! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is travelling the world, but playing only at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne. The production won’t be travelling Australia, or playing in other cities.
So if you don’t live in Melbourne then this is the excuse to visit you’ve been looking for!
Fly Sydney to Melbourne to see the show
Why not make a weekend of it and have a lovely getaway like we did?
We were flown Sydney to Melbourne by our sponsors and favourite budget airline Jetstar Australia.
The flying time between Sydney and Melbourne is just 1 hour 35 minutes, and check in and boarding is now as straightforward as it ever was.
We love buying our meals or snacks on board too, because it’s great to be able to eat and drink just what you feel like!
Have a luxury Melbourne Staycation at the Grand Hyatt
While you’re in Melbourne, why not spoil yourself with a decadent five star stay? We loved being hosted by the gorgeous Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
I highly recommend this stunning hotel for a luxurious Melbourne stay – and it’s just a few minutes walk from the Princess Theatre. Perfect!
Book a stay at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne here.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child quick info
Tickets are eligible for the Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program where you can claim 25% back on each ticket
Suitable for: all ages over 4, however there is an over 12 years recommendation, as there are some scary themes.
How long is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?: 3 hours, 20 minutes including intermission
How much are tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?: The Princess Theatre is three tiered levels with the Stalls at the bottom, Dress Circle in the centre and Grand Circle on the top tier. Tickets are priced from $56 (obstructed view Stalls) t0 $155 (Dress Circle front) each. You can phone 1300 795 012 or buy tickets online here
Is there disabled access seating and room for a wheelchair? Accessible seating should be booked on the Stalls level on the ground floor, as there is no lift in the Princess Theatre.
Where is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playing?: The Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, Melbourne.
When does Harry Potter and the Cursed Child finish?: Exclusive to the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, the season runs from the 19th of May to October 16th, 2022. Performances are generally every day excepting Monday, with afternoon performances on weekends.
Do I have to wear a mask during the performance? You must be vaccinated and wear a mask in the Princess Theatre.
Where can I buy tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?: More info and tickets can be found at the official website here
Melbourne’s Princess Theatre seating is on three stacked levels
Have you attended Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, or do you plan to go? Tell me how you liked it, or ask your questions in the comments below…
All information is correct as at May 2022 – theatre seat prices vary according to their position – please check the official websites as linked above for relevant, up to date information and prices.
We were invited guests to Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, and we’re sponsored by Jetstar Australia and the Grand Hyatt Melbourne for this trip. I speak from personal experience. As always, all opinions remain firmly my own.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book a stay through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!
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