The Pottermore YouTube account has uploaded three new interviews with The Cursed Child cast members Jamie Parker, Paul Thornley, and Noma Dumezweni — A.K.A. Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The videos, each of which clocks in at around 30 seconds, offer a glimpse into backstage life at the Palace Theatre London.
Harry Potter actor Jamie Parker isn't ignorant about the importance of his character to J.K. Rowling's stageplay. Even though 19 years have passed since the wizarding world saw the last of Voldemort, The Boy Who Lived remains central to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child plot. Parker acknowledges the importance of the source novels, and says that the cast and crew "were all very, very keen to make sure that the first time you see Harry ... feels right" and "instantly familiar."
For those Potterheads who aren't familiar with theater lingo, Paul Thornley gives a crash course in technical rehearsals, reminding us all that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be chock full of real-life magic:
A technical rehearsal is when you put all the components together: the costume, the makeup, the lights, the sound, all the magic, all the illusions — which I'm not going to tell you about.
Let's all hope the technical rehearsals go well for The Cursed Child cast, and don't call for any major last-minute changes or — boggart of boggarts — delays.
Noma Dumezweni fangirls out a little bit in her backstage interview. The new Hermione Granger expresses disbelief that she has the honor of being "in that show." The pleasant shock hits her whenever she's "in the auditorium, watching" her castmates rehearse. Which, to be honest, is exactly what I'd be doing if I were in her shoes.
Preview performances of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child begin Tuesday. The Harry Potter play opens at the Palace Theatre London on July 30.
Image courtesy of Charlie Gray
