Harry Potter play to officially open in Melbourne, audiences urged to #keepthesecrets

As the Princess Theatre prepares to officially open the Harry Potter series’ long-awaited eighth story, the Cursed Child play’s Australian cast has one request for its spellbound audience.

Harry Potter magic has thrilled fans of the wizarding world. Picture: Matt Murphy

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is getting ready to cast a spell over Melbourne.

With Melbourne just the third city in the world to host the eighth story in the Harry Potter series, the cast says it is feeling a “cocktail of emotions” ahead of the official red carpet opening on Saturday night.

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“I am feeling a lot of emotions,” said Gyton Grantley who plays Ron Weasley. “A lot of joy and pride.”

The play, written by Harry Potter author JK Rowling with Jack Thorne, picks up where the books left off, and finds Harry coming to terms with fatherhood as his son Albus departs for school at Hogwarts.

Paula Arundell, Gyton Grantley Lucy Goleby, Gareth Reeves and Tom Wren. Picture: Matt Murphy

Sean Rees-Wemyss and William McKenna play Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy. Picture: Matt Murphy

The play picks up immediately where the final book left off. Picture: Matt Murphy

Gareth Reeves, who plays Harry Potter, said he felt a huge responsibility, being entrusted with such a beloved character.

“I do feel an enormous responsibility, but the support from the creative team and knowing that JK Rowling screened our auditions and gave her blessing is very special,” he said.

“And the feedback from fans has also been humbling. At stage door, people say they are just so grateful to see these characters again.

“People really do hold them in their hearts and thank me for giving them Harry back.”

Producers are urging theatregoers to not give away details of the dazzling stage illusions and character cameos with a social media campaign, #keepthesecrets.

Audiences have been asked to keep key details a secret for others. Picture: Matt Murphy

The cast and creators want to keep the mysteries and magic fresh for new theatregoers. Picture: Matt Murphy

The play will officially be opened on Saturday. Picture: Matt Murphy

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Paula Arundell, who plays Hermione, says she is heartened that Melbourne audiences haven’t revealed the mysteries and magic.

“People don’t want to spoil it for each other,” she says. “They want others to have the experience they had of seeing it fresh.”

A wand has also been waved over the Princess Theatre, now kitted out in a riot of Hogwartian splendour, including Harry Potter-themed carpet.

It has been booked for at least two years, which would make it the longest-running show in Melbourne’s history.

— Tickets available from HarryPotterthePlay.com

Lead cast members Gareth Reeves (Harry Potter), Gyton Grantley (Ron Weasley) and Paula Arundell (Hermione Granger). Picture: Tim Carrafa

The Princess Theatre has been given a Potteresque transformation. Picture: Jason Edwards

New fixtures include these fantastical lanterns. Picture: Jason Edwards