London Day 4

Palace Theatre London

Day four in London was our last day and dedicated to Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is a latest Harry Potter story in the form of a play. Currently the only way to see the play is to purchase the almost impossible to get tickets and make the trek to London's Palace Theatre, although there are plans to bring the play to Broadway by Spring 2018.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is the 8th story in the Harry Potter series. It is based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. The synopsis according to www.HarryPotterThePlay.com:

 "It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places." 

We purchased our tickets eighteen months ago, the day the first batch went on sale. This was very lucky for us as they have since gone up considerably and the resale tickets demand as much as a thousand pounds each. We were able to score orchestra seats row D. These were amazing seats. The play is in two parts with each part being 2 1/2 hours long with a three hour break between each part. It is easy to see why the production is an all day event. 

The play recently won 8 WhatsonStage Awards, the UK theatre awards voted on by the public. Cursed Child won Best New Play, Best Director - John Tiffany, Best Actor (Harry) - Jamie Parker, Best Supporting Actor (Scorpius Malfoy) - Anthony Boyle, Best Supporting Actress (Hermione) - Noma Dumezweni, Best Set Deign, Best Lighting, and Best Video Design. In addition, the play has been nominated for 11 Olivier Awards, the UK equivalent of the Tony Awards. The Olivier Awards will take place on April 9, 2017. 

The Palace Theatre located on Shaftsbury Avenue is a gorgeous theatre built in 1891. It has a capacity of 1400 across four levels, stalls (orchestra), dress circle, grand circle, and balcony. Some of the other shows that have been performed at the legendary theatre include; Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Priscilla Queen of The Desert, and The Commitments. 

During the break we walked about a block to Greek Street to the House of MinaLima. Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, collectively known as MinaLima, are graphic designers whose stunning designs can be seen throughout all eight of the Harry Potter films. Some of their work includes; Weasley Wizard Wheezes, Daily Prophet, Wanted Posters, Hogwarts textbooks, Horcruxes, and the Goblet of Fire. Touring the business filled with their designs from the film is free and fantastic. Limited edition prints are also available for purchase.

After House of MinaLima, we walked to Nando's, a chicken restaurant we have been wanting to try for several years. You pick the level of spiciness for your chicken and sides. It was delicious. After dinner we headed back to the Palace Theatre for part two of Harry Potter ans The Cursed Child.

I won't give away any spoilers for those who still want to see our read the screenplay, but it was the best production I have ever seen. It was simply amazing, all 5 hours! It was so good that I did not want it to end. I was moved to tears numerous times in both parts. The actors were phenomenal and that is especially meaningful given that the play lasts about twice as long as a typical Broadway production.

After the show we decided to try our luck with meeting the cast and having our program signed. There was already a short line, so we waiting and kept our fingers crossed. We were in luck because most of the cast stopped by and were happy to pose for pictures and sign programs. It was truly a highlight.

Karli and Tom Mackley (Albus Potter)

After we had our programs signed we made our way back to Hotel Alto and called it a night. The next morning we flew back to the United States. It was the trip of a lifetime and we hope to return soon!

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