Harry Potter Fans, There’s A New Show On The Block

Dismiss Harry Potter and the magical world of Hogwarts as mere ‘kids’ stuff’ and you do so at your own peril. The best-selling book series of all time has now passed the 500 million copies sold mark. Clinical studies have linked reading the books with increased empathy for minority groups by millennials. The film franchise has launched the careers of some brilliant actors and given our world the feminist gift of Emma Watson. And now, the magical characters that made reading cool and inspired a whole generation of fans, are back in a new theatrical form.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has begun showing at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne. Melbourne is just the third location in the world – after New York City and London – to play host to this elaborate stage production, set 19 years after the infamous Battle of Hogwarts. The 1890s venue has undergone a $6.5 million makeover for the occasion with new carpet, seats, fresh paint and even specially sculpted on-theme dragon light fittings. The result will inspire awe akin to Harry’s initial sighting of Hogwarts.