Hi everyone! Back with the third review of the month, and this one is exciting! I have been a huge Harry Potter fan since I was a child! So when I heard this show was gonna be a thing. I’ve been trying to get tickets for this show for years. But now I finally managed to get tickets for an access performance of ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’!

The show is set nineteen years after the original series and continues the story. It follows the adventures of the children of the main characters as they attend Hogwarts. Along the way, you’ll also see some familiar faces from the original series, as well as some new ones. While it’s not necessary to know the original story, it can certainly enhance your enjoyment of the show. 

It’s important to note that the show we attended was split into two parts. Part One was performed during the afternoon or a matinee performance, while Part Two was performed in the evening. Both parts were shown on the same day, which meant we had to stay overnight in London. However, it was definitely worth it, and I’ll explain why in more detail.

For the access performance, a touch tour was organised in the afternoon before the first part. Upon arrival, we were required to have our bags checked by security. The theatre ushers greeted us warmly and guided us to the auditorium and then onto the stage. Since the show was quite popular, there was a large group of us participating, which made it a little difficult to get around and see everything. However, the cast and crew were very knowledgeable and more than happy to answer any questions we had.

After the touch tour, we checked into Premier Inn Leicester Square hotel, which was located just a five minute’s walk from the theatre. This made leaving and returning for each performance very easy. We watched Part One of the show and after it ended, we had an hour and a half break to find something to eat. However, we found this time to be insufficient and suggest bringing your own food. Unfortunately, eating inside the theatre is not allowed, but there are plenty of benches and seats nearby where you can enjoy your food. 

After having dinner at the hotel we then went back in for Part Two. Same as above, bags got checked etc and we sat in the same seats as Part One, The theatre will put you in the same seats if you are seeing both parts the same day if possible. 

I watched the show and both parts were amazing! As a Harry Potter enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The lighting and colour usage was great, and the visual effects in both parts were astonishing! Some of the scenes left me puzzled as to how they pulled it off. The Dementors were my favourite, as they flew around the stage and the audience. The sound, atmosphere, and ambience were also used brilliantly, making me feel completely immersed in the show.

In terms of accessibility, with it has been Harry Potter this show is incredibly visual, so if you have Low Vision or Useful Vision then as long as you sit slow on the stage, Row D or closer you should have no real problem, but going to the touch tour beforehand is a very helpful attention. 

If you are totally Blind or have No Useful Vision. Then I think it goes without saying that having an Audio Description during the show is a must! You struggle to hear the Audio Description due to the loud sounds and effects of the show in parts. But overall Vocal Eyes did a very good job. It is worth turning up thirty minutes early at least to collect your headset and to make sure it’s working correctly before the show starts, along with listening to the introduction if you wish to. 

I think after reading this whole review. It goes without saying, that this show is definitely a must-see! Whether you like Harry Potter or not. It truly is a brilliant show and really takes you on an emotional journey. 

‘Harry Potter & The Cursed Child’ is currently running at The Palace Theatre in London. To go ahead and purchase tickets, to find out more information about access performances or to find out more information about the show you can find all that by clicking the link here.

Until Next Time,

The VI Critic

Trailer For The Show: