It is not possible to find a primary-school aged kid in the Western world who hasn’t read the books, seen the movies or is not remotely aware of Harry Potter phenomenon. But it took JK Rowling over ten years to write the brilliant series – surely it’s not possible to parody all seven of the Harry Potter books in 70 minutes? But, Potted Potter manages to do just that.
The show was written and originally performed by Daniel Clarkson & Jefferson Turner (Dan and Jeff) and in this version David Ahmad and John Helier take on the roles of Harry Potter buff and hapless assistant. David knows all there is to know about our bespectacled hero but John hasn’t even finished reading the books yet.
Drawing on some tried and tested pantomime techniques, and making some monumental cock-ups with the story, David and John manage to take Potter fans on a thrilling ride from under the stairs in Little Whingeing to battling the Dark Lord and saving the world.
The first couple of books are given a brief but funny re-enactment on stage. But just when you think you’ve got a handle on where this show is going the structure is turned on its head and the Lower Melbourne Town Hall has been divided into Gryffindors and Slytherins and we’re battling it out for the Quidditch Cup.
This is a really fun show and was an absolute hit with the weekend crowd. My only criticism lies with the technology, the PowerPoint show used to demonstrate book four was unreadable and the sound throughout was really awful. A full-house family show is always a noisy affair and the performers need to be miked up for those at the back to catch all the dialogue.
This is best for kids aged 6 and over and a must-see for JK Rowling fans.
The mini critics loved it:
Indigo (11): I can’t believe they could tell the stories of all the books in that time. The quidditch was fun but when John brought out the super-soaker I couldn’t believe it – he squirted one woman right in the face!
Scarlett (8): My favourite bit was when John was being Sirius Black and kept doing that funny voice.
Violet (8): John kept doing everything wrong and he paid too much money for the dragon.
For more info and booking details go to Potted Potter : The Unauthorised Harry Experience A Parody by Dan and Jeff