‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Play Planned for 2016
J.K. Rowling is continuing the saga of Harry Potter – as a stage production. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will premiere at London’s Palace Theatre in summer 2016, with tickets going on sale this fall, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The author detailed the project on Twitter Friday morning, the 18th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, announcing that the play is a collaboration with writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany and producer Sonia Friedman. “I don’t want to say too much more, because I don’t want to spoil what I know will be a real treat for fans,” she tweeted. “However, I can say that it is not a prequel!”
Rowling also addressed her reasons for taking the popular wizard story to the stage instead of the printed page. “To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question – why isn’t #CursedChild a new novel?” she continued. “I am confident that when audiences see the play they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story. I’ve had countless offers to extend Harry’s story over the years, but Jack, John and Sonia Friedman are a dream team! It has been a huge pleasure to share with them (and soon, with you!) this untold part of Harry’s story.”
Rowling also posted news of the play on her official website. According to a site dedicated to the project, Cursed Child will feature music by Imogen Heap, “movement” by Steven Hoggett, set design by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Gry and special effects by Jeremy Chernick. Casting details have not been announced.
A description on the Palace Theatre site notes that the play will “explore the backstory leading up to Harry’s parents’ untimely death at the hands of Lord Voldemort.”