Muggles have the opportunity to enter the world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and go on a magical journey with Harry Potter during Potted Potter.
Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience takes audience members through all seven Harry Potter books, written by J.K. Rowling, in 70 minutes.
“If you want to see a six-foot grown man play Hermione this is the show for you,” said James Percy, one of the actors in the production.
He plays Harry Potter and his counterpart plays the other characters in the books, more than 360 of them.
He said audience members strap in at the start of book one and hold on until book seven.
Attendees at the performance also get to participate in a game of quidditch during the show.
“We get the whole audience involved and everyone participates and we only lost two children along the way, which I think is fine,” joked Percy.
The two actors weave the story at an epic speed, with some portions of the book reduced to one-liners.
Audience members can expect to bust a gut laughing with antics such as Lord Voldemort coming onstage with the song Simply the Best blasting behind him or Ron Weasley sending a message to Harry Potter from a watery prison, which equates to a glass of water being thrown in Harry Potter’s face.
Percy said Harry Potter is part of British culture.
“It’s been a childhood dream to be Harry Potter. I grew up on all the films and books,” said Percy.
He said at the heart of the show is a classic comedy duo, a pair of “mates” having fun onstage.
“What is great about the show is it is perfect for everyone from those die-hard Potter fans – the ones who know what house they are in and their Patronus – and for anyone who hasn’t, it is kind of a crash course in Harry Potter,” said Percy.
He said there isn’t a wall between the audience and the two cast members.
“We don’t hide from the audience. We totally get involved with them,” he said. “We will talk to you and go out and see you. The audience is the third actor in the show, because of that we can be a little bit naughty and join in, in the fun.”
Potted Potter, presented by Starvox Entertainment and Potted Productions, shows at the Port Theatre Tuesday (Nov. 8) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $100 for rows A-J, $70 for rows K-W and $40 for balcony seating available in advance by calling 250-754-8550 or www.porttheatre.com.
Potted Potter also shows in Victoria at the McPherson Playhouse Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 5 and 6).
Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience was created by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner. It has shown across the globe.
For more information about the show please go to www.pottedpotter.com.
