The title says it all, really: I was so excited that I finally got to see the next instalment of the Potter saga! I say “finally”: it’s only been out for a couple of months, but it’s been talked about for so long, and tickets went on sale last year. I only got mine a few weeks ago, by signing up to the returns list. This is one of the benefits to being a solo theatregoer – you’re much more likely to be able to nab an elusive ticket to something like this.
I had the afternoon off work and headed down to the Palace Theatre, full of excitement. It was a really hot day and I had to queue around the theatre to get in – they had security at the door checking the bags as you went in. It was lovely and cool inside, and I got to check out all the merchandise. I was hugely tempted by the cuddly owls, especially as the usher standing by the stairs had hold of one (which she let me cuddle). I resisted, however, and only bought the pin badges, seeing as I seem to be making a collection of them.
My full review of the show is on my blog Loitering In the Theatre. Here, I’ll just say that though I had a couple of issues with it, I did enjoy it – it was an unforgettable experience.
Years ago, when I was still at school, I sat up late into the night reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, unable to put it down. My experience of Cursed Child was similar, though instead of being alone in my room, I was in a room full of other people, sharing in their joy and fear and surprise. It was an amazing experience and reminded me – as if I needed reminding – of the magic of theatre.