The New Normal - Out of Africa to Christmastime in London, part 4, "Harry Potter" on stage

We were lucky enough to be able to get tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, playing at the Palace Theatre located in the West End.  The Palace Theatre is lovely inside and out.  The interior has 1,400 plush, comfortable, red seats, split across four levels and an amazing revolving stage.  The huge, brick building, designed by Thomas Collcutt, is beautifully ornate, including little cherub sculptures all over the interior. 

Shots taken from the restaurant across the street

The Palace opened in 1891 as the Royal English Opera House with a production of Arthur Sullivan's Ivanhoe.   Later, it was converted into the Palace Theatre of Varieties, and variety shows were performed and films were screened there.  In 1925, No, No, Nannette was the first musical to be presented in the space.  Since then, many musical productions have played there such as, Jesus Christ Superstar in the 70's for eight years and, starting in 1985, Les Mis for nineteen years!  In 1968, Judi Dench starred in Cabaret there; I would have love to have seen her in that show. 

Unfortunately, the doors of the theatre were closed during the both World Wars, and it actually was bombed during WWII. Luckily, the theatre was restored in 1985 and is quite an impressive place. 

The latest instalment of Harry Potter is a two-part stage play, which premiered on July 30th of this year.  We were fortunate to get great seats in the "stalls" on the ground floor, with full view of the action.  This new play by Jack Thorne is based on the original new story written by J.K. Rowling, Jack Throne and John Tiffany. I have read all seven Potter books, and was very anxious to see the eighth story presented as a stage play.  

We saw both parts on December 26th, as the show is intended, matinee and evening.  We were impressed with the new story, special magical effects and the very fine actors.  My favorite actor was the boy who played Scorpius, son of Draco Malfoy.  Anthony Boyle was very funny, and was also able to handle both the serious and physical parts required of the role.  

The story was funny, dramatic and even scary at times, and centers around grown-up Harry Potter. Harry's son is finding it difficult to deal with Harry's fame, and so the story begins.  That's about all I can tell you; we are sworn to "Keep the Secrets" so I can't say anymore about the plot or special effects.  Just know we give Harry two thumbs up!

We also enjoyed wandering around the theatre district and seeing the exterior of the various theatres.  Such fun!