Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Melbourne stage show: Five hours of magic to cast a spell over fans

HARRY Potter is set to weave some magic over Melbourne and producers are expecting an unprecedented demand for tickets for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. Here’s how you can get tickets.

HARRY Potter is set to weave some magic over Melbourne in February.

Producers are expecting an unprecedented demand for tickets for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, which will go on sale from August 6.

The highly anticipated play will open with preview performances at the Princess Theatre on January 16.

It will be the multimillion-dollar award-winning stage show’s Australian premiere at the theatre, which will be extensively remodelled for it.

PUFFS A SPELLBINDING SPOOF ON HARRY POTTER

HARRY POTTER THEME PARK IN PICTURES

MAMMA MIA THE MUSICAL IN MELBOURNE

Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender said: “We’re so thrilled that Melbourne is Cursed Child’s next home and can’t wait to move into the gorgeous Princess Theatre soon.

“Our design team have been working closely with the Princess to renovate and redesign parts of the theatre – to not only make it more comfortable for audiences but add an additional touch of magic to the beautiful landmark.”

But theatregoers should be warned: Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, is a marathon.

There are four acts in the script, presented in two separate shows, which run for more than five hours.

The cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child performing in London. Picture: AAP

The cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child performing in London. Picture: AAP

After dazzling the West End and Broadway, critics say the show features an outstanding display of stagecraft, the likes of which may change theatre forever, and the special effects are on a whole new level of grandeur.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a father-son story. It casts Harry as a grown man, with his son Albus struggling to find his own wizard identity. It’s also about an enduring bond of friendship between Albus and Scorpius Malfoy.

Roles in the Australian production have not yet been cast, but London and New York shows have featured unknowns in the starring roles.

Producers are also hoping Australian audiences respect a #KeepTheSecrets agreement for the show.

Rowling has asked audiences who have seen the play not to reveal its major twists. The hashtag is printed on the tickets for the play.

Jamie Parker plays Harry Potter in London. Picture: AAP

Author J.K. Rowling has asked audiences who have seen the play not to reveal its major twists. Picture: AP

The play won a record-breaking nine awards at last year’s Olivier Awards. In London, it continues to play to sold-out houses almost two years into the run.

Ticket prices will range between $65 to $175 for each show.

Details: HarryPotterThePlay.com