If you're unfamiliar with the story, the play is split between 2 parts - and myself and Jarrod saw both part 1 and part 2 on a Sunday. Without giving any spoilers Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tells the story of Harry Potter, and his friends, and children 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. With classic favourite characters like Hagrid, Hermione and the beloved Severus Snape, you'll also hear and see other familiar names and elements like the Hogwarts Express and a Time-Turner.

The story follows Albus Potter, son of Harry and Ginny, as he embarks on his first year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. You follow along as he makes an unlikely friend in the form of Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Harry's school enemy Draco. The pair tackle the unfamiliarity of the wizarding world with the same awkwardness and bravado as I tackled high school, ah memories.

The spell effects are restrained yet perfect - just the right hint of the magic you see and love in the films including spell-work, dementors and the entrance to the Ministry of Magic are all cleverly shown on stage. There's astonishing on-stage costume changes, quick-witted characters and even water scenes, plus moments that left me with my mouth agape and my bum on the end of my seat. Imogen Heap's soundtrack is simply exquisite (don't believe me? Check Spotify)



The Palace Theatre in London is the perfect home for the show - beautiful, expansive - yet still intimate - and it has a real sense of old English about it which automatically makes you feel cosy. There are old-fashioned wallpaper and plush seats (tiny spoiler here - the setting of the theatre even temporarily lends itself as part of the show).