Presented by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Potted Productions
Reviewed Wednesday 14th November 2012
Written and originally performed in 2007 by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, following two years of development from a five minute performance to entertain queues waiting for the midnight release of book six, this touring production features Jesse Briton and Gary Trainor. What is that you ask? Yes, the entire cast to create all of the characters in the seven Harry Potter books is just two men, and they are doing it in just seventy hilarious minutes.
No, I am not going to try to give you a précis of the entire Harry Potter collection in this review. Go and read them all for yourself. If you have read them, then you know, or you think you know, what you are going to see. You might be in for some surprises, but be sure you have brushed up on your quidditch skills. I’ll say no more. Just you wait and see how the Gryffindore Vs Slytherin quidditch match is played out in a theatre.
All of your favourite characters are there, from Harry, Ron, and Hermione, to Dumbledore, Snape, Hagrid, Sirius, Lord Voldemort, and the rest, as well as the many creatures, from Nagini to the dragon that Harry must beat in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. You will also be amazed by the set and the costuming. It is amazing how they manage to get away with it!
This work relies completely on Jesse Briton and Gary Trainor to make it work, and a lot of the comedy seems to be about the fact that Gary, who primarily plays Harry and narrates the story, is ostensibly a Potter expert and knows the books thoroughly, whereas Jesse is bluffing all the way, having not actually read the books as he was supposed to. Gary has also entrusted Jesse with the money to pay for all of the props, money that has not been spent in quite the way that Gary had intended, and the results of that, and Jesse’s unfamiliarity with the books and its characters, gives rise to more humour, such as a bass-baritone Hermione and a Rasta Ron.
The audience lapped it up, from start to finish, and several reports of laughing to the point of tears (or more embarrassing bodily leakages) were overheard in the foyer afterwards. Aching ribs and sore jaws were commonplace.
The programme, by the way, has all of the usual information and photos, but it also has all sorts of puzzles and other fun things for young (and old) muggles, squibs, and wizards to do later.
This is a high energy, fast paced show that will have you laughing from start to finish and it is suitable for people of all ages, as the was clear from the audience. Some younger ladies had even gone to the trouble of dressing up in Hogwarts school uniforms, and a few older patrons wore tall pointed hats on arrival. A cult following growing around this production looks inevitable.
This would make a great family outing at any time and, I suspect, there will either be a return visit, or locals seeking the rights to stage their own productions. Magic!
Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Arts Editor, Glam Adelaide.
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: to 18th November
Duration: 1hr 20mins
Tickets: $60 to $80
Bookings: BASS 132 246 or here
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