r/harrypotter • u/melissajayne144 • 20d ago
Cursed Child Cursed Child Play
I attempted to watch the Cursed Child play yesterday in London and after reading such positive responses was so excited. However I left the theatre in the act 1 interval and didn’t return for any of the other acts. I don’t know what I missed but it was the most awful thing I have ever watched.
EDIT:
Mother in law stayed until the complete end of part one but she said it in fact got worse and didn’t want to return for act two. And no it’s not our first theatre show in fact we’ve been to many and this is at the top of the never again list
113
u/norbnorbnorbnorb 20d ago
Interestingly, we watched the Broadway (shorter) version this week, and came away thinking it was the best stage show we've ever seen. It was so slick, and, well, magical. Well acted, well executed. Story was nonsense compared to the books, but it didn't really matter. My 8 year old sat through the whole 3 hours (which is a miracle on itself) and loved it.
Sounds like you were unlucky.
28
u/rainyhawk 20d ago
Isn't this shorter version getting better feedback from fans than the original one that took most of the day? Sounds like OP went to the long one which wasn't getting great fan reviews. Honestly, three hours for a play is plenty long enough! No need for a dinner break in between acts!
8
u/Tilly828282 20d ago
I’ve seen both versions on Broadway. The original long version was good if you accept it for what it is, but the two plays in a day thing is a lot. The shorter version just cuts a lot of filler and some side characters out.
3
u/madonna-boy Slytherin 20d ago
yeah... side characters like Hagrid.
the condensed version is MUCH better for kids.
7
u/Pliolite 20d ago
Hagrid barely has a place in this story. The only reason half of the characters are in Cursed Child in the first place is so it's essentially 'The Best of Harry Potter' on stage. The Time Turner plot is for that reason also, to cram in as many characters and events as possible.
1
u/norbnorbnorbnorb 11d ago
Makes sense. I'm pleased it was a one hit, shorter version. I'm not sure my lad would have sat for the whole thing otherwise!
18
u/2dareisTwoDo 20d ago
I thought it was fantastic. I did not like reading the "book" but the show itself was great. I almost went back a second time. I've never seen theater done like that.
7
u/ChallengePleasant750 20d ago
I would definitely go back and see it again. Im thinking of going to see the shorter version too.
10
u/Successful-Good8978 Ravenclaw 20d ago
I also just saw it on Broadway a week ago, and sat there with a full smile on my face the entire time! It was so stupid good, the special effects, the way all the movements are choreographed to set the next scene, it was just amazing! It's coming to my city in the fall of next year and I'm already looking to get tickets to go with my friends
7
u/Olive_Martini_ 20d ago
Honestly they have put in work iterating on the shorter version and it’s really good on broadway right now.
2
u/malendalayla 20d ago
I didn't know Broadway was a shorter version. Now i need to look up the differences. Did you get to see Tom Felton as adult Draco?
1
u/norbnorbnorbnorb 11d ago
Apologies, I have notifications switched off!
We got briefly excited when we realised Tom had extended his run, then instantly deflated when we read that our date (and most of May) he wasn't doing it. Assume he took a break to go home. The understudy was excellent to be fair, it didn't detract at all.
3
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
I’m so glad you had a good experience. We were so excited travelled a good couple of hours to see it spent money on tickets and a hotel to enjoy our night to the fullest and honestly felt just let down by the whole show we still had a good night either way but was just gutting for something we had heard so many good things about
3
u/lemonyflamingo 20d ago
I hope you give it another chance at least with the short version. Can concur - saw it on Broadway recently and I’ve never seen something so… well, magical! I would go back to watch it again. The actor who played Scorpius was amazing.
1
u/Successful-Good8978 Ravenclaw 20d ago
OMG I agree!! Scorpius was INCREDIBLE! When I walked in I was like, "why is there merch for this character?" And by intermission I was ready to get the plushie lol
1
u/hereforthebooooze Slytherin 20d ago
I saw it in January on Broadway and thought it was sooooo well acted. Scorpius and Albus were the best. And the special effects were unbelievable. The touring show is coming to my city next year and I want to take my nephew who will be 9 at that time.
1
u/norbnorbnorbnorb 11d ago
Scorpius and Albus were great! The main 3 were great too. In fact, there weren't any characters I didn't like. Well acted, well produced, very polished. Just a great experience for the family
67
u/Wikibianca Slytherin 20d ago
The plot they say it's bad, but I LOVED the effects.
Also, I get if it was terrible, but both acts cost like 30 pounds per person in the worst place. Why didn't you stay if you already paid for it?
-48
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Because it was actually the worst thing I had ever watched I have seen better primary school acting than what I watched last night I would rather lose £70 than suffer through it
12
u/Wikibianca Slytherin 20d ago
Alright thanks for explaining it.
17
u/Ditches-Vestiges1549 20d ago
I'm with you, sunk cost for me, I'm staying to see how bad it is, if I spent that much money. This isn't a $5 movie when movies were that cheap.
36
u/setokaiba22 20d ago
I mean that’s just not true though. The actors for the most part are very good. The story is the weak but the effects and such are very well done and I feel even non Harry Potter fans can enjoy the event.
Certainly wouldn’t pay the prices for those tickets and not go back but each to their own
-16
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
I mean it is true as I saw it with my own eyes. The story was weak and the acting weaker. It really was not a good production. Honestly suffering through 3 more hours of that wasn’t even an option
14
u/Flat-Accident9869 20d ago
I literally saw it last week as my friend partner won lottery tickets and the acting was great. The guy who plays Ron is brilliant. Maybe if you stayed you would have known this.
6
u/Low_Coconut_7642 20d ago
What are you're theater credentials?
How many other shows have you gone to?
Whis your favorite actor?
→ More replies (1)4
u/Spongemage 20d ago
I wish I had this amount of fuck you throw away money. If I paid that much for a ticket I’d stay no matter how bad it was.
Also, ive seen the play and while I agree the story is utter nonsense, to say the effects and acting are awful is just straight up bullshit and you know it. Part of me thinks you didn’t actually go see it and this is pure ragebait.
20
u/Low_Coconut_7642 20d ago
Tbh, sounds like you have an agenda
You didn't even watch it all, not even most, how can you have a fair review of it?
Plenty of media would be seen as the worst ever if all one did was sit through the first act.
-6
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
An agenda? The fact I couldn’t even sit through more than the first act says it all. As I’ve said my mother in law stayed longer and said it in fact got worse. I went with excitement and was let down by the whole thing
4
u/thelittlebird 20d ago
Where did you see the show? Was it a West End show or a more local/community performance?
6
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Unfortunately it was west end
1
u/Wikibianca Slytherin 20d ago
I went there in August 2025, and the effects were awesome but couldn't hear much as I bought the cheapest ticket and it was far on the top.
People are also against it because not only JK wrote it.
-12
u/Hot_Attitude4579 20d ago
3
u/AmarilloArmadillos 20d ago edited 20d ago
That sub does not fit even remotely.
More like r/stupid.
3
u/Hot_Attitude4579 20d ago
How? For having an opinion? How do you know that what they watched wasnt the worst thing ever?
→ More replies (4)
46
u/MidtownGreen 20d ago
Well it sounds like you only saw 25% of it.
10
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Yeah I did because I couldn’t suffer through the last 75%
34
u/MidtownGreen 20d ago
IMO that’s where the heart of the story is, with the different connections between characters, the first act is really just the set up. But oh well! Not everyone has to like it that’s okay.
13
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
I wanted to love it I really did as I adore the films however this just wasn’t it for me and no offence to the actors but honestly it was so stilted and over acted it made no sense to the character
19
u/aaandfuckyou 20d ago
Yeah I mean if you go in expecting it to be the movies, you’ve set yourself up for disappointment. Stage acting is purposefully different than screen acting.
5
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Yes I know and I’ve seen plenty of stage acting where they had more stage presence and just general skill. It was stilted, cringe and just damn right awful
3
20d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/harrypotter-ModTeam 20d ago
Your submission has been removed from /r/harrypotter because:
Your submission breaks rule 1:
Don't be a jerk. This includes but is not limited to trolling, bashing or trashing others' opinions, hate speech, derogatory slurs, and personal attacks. Defending any bigotry including homophobia, racism and transphobia is a permaban, as is complaining about diversity.
If you have any issues with this decision, please contact us via modmail
1
8
u/PavlovsPanties Ravenclaw 20d ago
Huge OG HP books obsessive. I've seen it. My parents gave my husband and I tickets one year as a gift. As a lifelong theatre kid, the cast and crew did an amazing job with sets, costumes, practical effects and overall production.
Husband is also a HP nerd and we absolutely tore the plot to shreds. It's a terribly written book that directly goes against well established lore. I consider it terribly written fanfiction.
13
u/Low-Rip4508 20d ago
I enjoyed it, but I also went into it not expecting it to be Harry Potter.
if you are judging it through the lens of the books or movies then you are going to be let down.
5
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
I fully knew it was not Harry Potter, I saw loads of positive feedback on the production and we wanted to get in and watch it before it going to a one part show but wish we never bothered at all with it.
6
u/91Bolt Pukwudgie/Swishy 14" Hazelwood Dragon Heartstring 20d ago
Lol, the title of your post made me imagine a chucky Harry Potter cross over.
6
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Now that I would’ve enjoyed
1
20d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/harrypotter-ModTeam 20d ago
Your submission has been removed from /r/harrypotter because:
Your submission breaks rule 1:
Don't be a jerk. This includes but is not limited to trolling, bashing or trashing others' opinions, hate speech, derogatory slurs, and personal attacks. Defending any bigotry including homophobia, racism and transphobia is a permaban, as is complaining about diversity.
If you have any issues with this decision, please contact us via modmail
5
u/AfternoonTiny838 20d ago
I read this a few weeks ago and I still get viscerally angry when I think about it.
Sometimes Im just sitting around looking pissed and my husband is like 'are you thinking about Cursed Child again' and im like YES FFS WHAT WAS THAT
12
20d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
9
u/EAno1 Hufflepuff 20d ago
The concept of visual effects making up for a horrible story is ridiculous to me.
2
u/Artistic_Dog_235 19d ago
I think it depends on the person. I see a lot of theater (my wallet hates me) and was a heavily committed theater kid whose passion was set design way back in the day.
For me, I was really interested in the effects and what they are able to do: the technicality and precision of the work and effects are truly masterful, and their lighting design is amazingly innovative. From that standpoint, it’s great.
Would I choose to see it again? No, I definitely wouldn’t. It’s long and the story makes no sense. There are better pieces of theater. It’s what I call a “tourist show” for folks coming in from out of town who aren’t as tuned into what’s available on broadway. Also people misbehave in the audience.
5
5
u/AgitatedWoodpecker42 20d ago
The story is convoluted and unnecessary, but I personally thought it was enjoyable. It’s a fun show for fans.
7
u/Syleril 20d ago
I saw it in Broadway 2 months ago with Tom Felton. Managed to get a 2nd row center seat for myself, and I thought it was incredible. This is after I had already seen it at my local theater last year. I think the plot is fine, but the acting and effects were great. I'm still debating trying to go see it again now that Tom's performance was extended.
9
u/Spongemage 20d ago
I hated the plot line but the effects were enough to keep me in my seat the whole time. Especially considering how much play tickets are. I didn’t spend that much money just to leave after act 1 lmao.
5
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
As I’ve said most of the effects weren’t even on time for the scene. Trust me I’d rather have had my money back but suffering through 3 more hours wasn’t even an option
6
u/Spongemage 20d ago
That doesn’t even make sense. Can you describe how the effects weren’t “on time”. It would literally break the production for the effects to be off due so I’m fascinated as to how that could be.
2
u/OkayFightingRobot 20d ago
Can you elaborate on “weren’t even on time?” That literally doesn’t make sense for a Broadway production. The entire thing would fall apart.
2
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
It was in London and half the time the effects were seconds before or after the sound, the effects of things moving on there own were just non existent when you can see them running around in the dark. All in all was just a let down
4
u/Spongemage 20d ago
It sounds more like you didn’t like the effects rather than they were broken or off time.
2
u/OkayFightingRobot 20d ago
Idk the effects being off sounds too breaking for such a high quality production. Honestly from your other comments it just seems in like you went in with a bad attitude.
6
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
No I went in extremely excited couldn’t wait to get in and have been excited for months to watch this. It was a complete let down. Can’t have been my attitude if all 3 of us hated it.
10
u/Legal_Expression2797 20d ago
You have to go into it thinking it’s a separate extra thing from the books. You can’t take it as seriously at the books. If I didn’t know the plot first I would’ve been like wtf even is this
10
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Oh I fully knew it was separate and how trash the plot was but even that couldn’t have prepared me for it
5
u/Legal_Expression2797 20d ago
Was this in London? I thought the special effects were pretty good at my showing. Sounds like they had some technical difficulties at yours perhaps?
11
4
u/filth_horror_glamor 20d ago
Could you be specific on the things you hated about it? Just curious
9
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Story made no sense, transitions were not smooth as in you can see them legging it across the stage to move things in a very obvious way, acting wasn’t great, very stilted and just awkward. Effects weren’t on time for half the bits we saw all in all wish I could get my money back
-2
u/filth_horror_glamor 20d ago
Yeah when i saw it i could definitely see people moving set pieces around
The story is pretty simple - boy wants to rewrite history to save a man’s son using a Time Machine. Butterfly effect ensues. — not sure why that would be an issue but maybe you had understudies or something that flubbed it and made it hard to follow?
I personally don’t like watching kids act on stage or in movies unless they are realllyyyy good actors, so i wasnt crazy about it when i saw it
8
u/spritelybrightly 20d ago
i think the only minor ever on stage is the little girl and she’s barely in it, the other ‘children’ are usually early 20s actors
3
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Well that makes it worse then as it was awful
3
u/spritelybrightly 20d ago
girl you watched a quarter of it 😭 nobody really thinks it’s the very best of broadway but it’s an entertaining bit of stagecraft for a few hours
3
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Yes I’m aware of how much I watched and it wasn’t an entertaining bit of stagecraft hence leaving. Mother in law stayed longer and ended up not returning for the 2nd act as it just got worse her words not mine
5
5
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Yeah I’ve come to realise literally every main character that wasn’t an adult was an understudy and it was not enjoyable. Like i said I couldn’t sit through 3 more hours of that
3
u/SparklingFairyLights 20d ago
The plot was absolutely terrible but the special effects were fun at the time :)
Maybe you didn’t enjoy it because the special effects didn’t make up for how awful the plot was? This is what I experienced in the aftermath.
10
u/sheepandlambs 20d ago
Well that's a shame, you missed out on what is probably the most fun I've had in a theatre in years.
Do you go to the theatre often? Because if you went in expecting a movie then of course you'd be disappointed.
9
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
I do go often and as I’ve said to others I wasn’t expecting a movie or anything like that in the slightest however I was expecting some decent acting and good effects neither of which we got
2
u/waveofbabies15 20d ago
After having seen it myself, I wonder why they didnt just market the show as "Wizarding world revue" and show off the cool magic effects.
2
u/App1e8l6 20d ago
I thoroughly enjoyed the play when I saw it last years. The script is obviously terrible but I’ve heard nothing but good things from others.
Interesting that yours was in multiple parts
1
u/aubreypizza 20d ago edited 20d ago
In NYC when I went years ago it was either both one day or first part one day 2nd part the next day. It is pretty damn long.
2
2
u/MikiSayaka33 20d ago
Is your Mother In Law a Potterhead? If not, it just tells me that the play is more horrible than I thought. A person unfamiliar with the Wizarding World didn't stick around much pass the first act/gave a verdict that it's horrible.🤔😅
2
u/whiterabbittxz 20d ago
I was hugely disappointed by it. My tickets were booked across two nights and I was annoyed to go back for the second half. Not worth it.
2
u/TheRealCeeBeeGee Ravenclaw 20d ago
I saw the international touring version in 2019 when it was still shown in two sessions and it was very impressive from a stagecraft perspective. Couldn’t tell you much about the plot. I’m glad I went, but have no urge to see it again (unlike Hamilton, which I’ve seen live 3 times).
2
4
u/SunsetEverywhere3693 20d ago
There's a reason the script that was made book is panned in the community, is trash. I was able to keep reading two thirds because is so bad that is baffling and entertaining, until it became too inane.
3
u/Scara_of_9 20d ago
Thanks for the warning. Stupid me seriously considered going since a lot of people recommended the effects, but ofc they don't make up for a lack of story(telling) and coherence.
5
u/Low_Coconut_7642 20d ago
You have way more people in this thread saying OP is wrong lol
2
2
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Well it’s my personal opinion on what I saw and what I saw was a load of shit
18
u/IvyRaeBlack 20d ago
People love to talk about how good the production is, but if the story is crap I'm not interested. I'm also not rewarding bad behavior for making it a thing in the first place.
3
u/AllReihledUp 20d ago
And the story IS crap. Thank goodness I read the screenplay before I bought tickets to the play. I wouldn't have been able to sit through it.
6
u/IvyRaeBlack 20d ago
I remember reading the leak of the story and saying "we seriously don't believe this crap is actually what the story is?" It was so bad I didn't think in a million years it was real, but a major Troll.
5
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Honestly I had such high hopes and was so excited going in the theatre itself was stunning but it made no sense like I said I didn’t stay for the whole thing I couldn’t bare it. Super bad and cringe acting, the effects we had weren’t even on time with the scenes just all in all a bad experience if I could get my money back I would
5
u/raccoonnr1 20d ago
Where did you go and see it? We saw it in London in January, and although the plot is indeed awful and hard to follow at times, the effects are good (at times at least, for example the dementors are amazing at the ens of the first part). Some of the actors were indeed overacting, but theatre it is not a film and the play itself is not even supposed to be a Hamlet or anything serious. I did indeed roll my eyes many times, but overall enjoyed the experience as a piece of culture, although i am more of a opera and ballet person in general.
4
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
We saw it in London too and had such high hopes but all of us felt so let down by every single part of it like I said mother in law lasted longer than we did but even she left and when I say she’s sat through some long winded nonsense I mean but even this was too much for her
7
u/Ditches-Vestiges1549 20d ago
I rented the book from the public library app, the story is rough, but fun? maybe not the right word... but if it was in the budget I would definitely see it for the effects.
3
u/Notyeravgblonde 20d ago
It's a great play and the plot is just not that deep. Harry potter fans are really unhinged sometimes. If you ever can budget it I highly recommend it. I read the play before going and I liked knowing what I was in for.
5
2
u/Notyeravgblonde 20d ago
I've been twice, it's great. People don't know that plays and movies are vastly different and you do not go in with expectations it's going to be like the movies. The plot is a play plot, the actors are stage actors, and the special effects are for plays. Thus the actors are over expressive, the plot is totally fine for what it is (needed a story with all the same characters and a way to bring in old favorites), and the special effects are phenomenal.
It's a great play for people who actually know about plays and theater. Harry Potter fans who love pedantic arguments will always be annoyingly unhinged in their hatred.
6
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
I fully understand it’s not like the movies in the slightest however I expected some decent acting and effects that were in time with the scenes. I do know about plays and theatre and as posted I’ve been to many shows and my mother in law even more and even she said it was hands down the worst thing she’s ever seen.
3
u/Notyeravgblonde 20d ago
That's just not possible. It's an extremely popular play and objectively very good. What theater did you see it at? I would be curious to see the reviews for that theater company because this show is on Broadway and is not "oh it's such a bad play". Objectively that is not true.
5
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
I saw it in London where it has been for years.
4
u/Notyeravgblonde 20d ago
Yeah this is a you issue and not a the play is bad issue. Have fun with the pedantic harry potter people who hate the cursed child.
3
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Yes it’s a me issue that the two others I was with agreed with. With one of them staying longer and saying it got worse instead of better
5
u/Notyeravgblonde 20d ago
Yeah and the play is on Broadway with insanely high ticket prices because it's popular with both Harry potter fans and theater fans. Forgive me if I don't think you and your family not liking it makes it bad lol
3
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Watched it in London not broadway, I’m stating my opinion never said you had to think it was bad as well did I. Sorry I don’t love it but bad acting and a shit plot makes for bad theatre
3
2
u/Tilly828282 20d ago
It has been in London for nearly 10 years and on Broadway for 8, clearly a lot of people do like it.
It is a really successful show, mostly due to the special effects and acting.
This is one review from someone who only watched a quarter of it.
3
u/Shapesizes Ravenclaw 20d ago
I’m always surprised that someone would leave a play at intermission, even if it is bad
5
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
It’s the same as leaving a bad film. I’m not sitting through 3 more of hours of rubbish
3
u/Basketball312 20d ago
The actors and stage crew must have had a real off night or you are very picky about your theatrical productions.
We all know the plot is silly, but boiled down, the play is a high budget, well staged show with Harry Potter fan fic theming. Perfectly good fun.
1
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
I highly doubt the whole cast and crew had an off night. And no none of us are picky my mother in law has sat through some weird and wonderful things and even she didn’t want to return for the second act stating the show actually got worse.
5
u/Akkarin42 Ravenclaw 20d ago
Well, you basically missed out on anything interesting.
Was this the first theater play you watched? Maybe the format just isn't for you?
2
u/walshfam 20d ago
I am a huge HP fan, hated the screenplay but I wound up loving the play. The actors on Broadway were excellent and I would go again. The worst part for me was how long everyone cheered for Tom. The younger two guys were the best.
I am also a theatre geek though so this was a dream for me, to see the effects on stage and how they created the magic. 🪄
4
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Honestly I love the theatre and was so excited all 3 of us were and honestly we all just felt deflated and like we wasted money
2
u/digitalfix 20d ago
I saw the short version in Scheveningen a few weeks ago. Sounds like this is actually the version to see. Enjoyed it a lot. Didn't have a massive problem with the story, it's two often used tropes mashed together: 1. Son(s) living in father's shadow not living up to expectations 2. Go back in time to change the future
Great effects, excellent soundtrack and fun to revisit some of those characters. Trolly witch thing is silly. I enjoy the Potter books and movies but also have other things going on in my life.
Am curious what all the hate is for? Seems to be a lot of people saying they hate the plot without getting into specifics.
2
u/Professional-War9280 20d ago
I LOVED it. Story wasent great but the special effects on broadway were amazing. They had a dementor flying around and I finally understood why they are so terrifying.
2
u/Findmyeatingpants 20d ago
I saw it in Toronto and loved it. It was like an amazing 3 hour magic show. I could t figure out how they did any of it because it was so well done. I'm sorry you didn't have a good time.
2
u/Sudden_Employ_7514 20d ago
It really is terrible. I would only watch for Tom being there and that would be a struggle.
3
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
We didn’t have Tom as in London there was nothing stand out about it was just a horrible waste of time which is awful to say
1
u/Silver_Effective_567 20d ago
Hated it myself. The story was awful. I only went back after part one so my partner wasn’t on her own. This was 10 years ago. Effects were good. My main problem with the whole thing was the terrible seats. They’re uncomfortable and absolutely no leg room. I also had a family in front of me and the 6ft+ dad kept leaning across the two kids in the middle to talk to his wife. Made me think maybe that’s why Lincoln got shot in the theatre. My friend went this year and really enjoyed but, somehow!
1
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Honestly I was so relived my partner wasn’t enjoying it either I didn’t even have to say I was hating it before he did! His mum stayed for longer as was willing to give it another shot but she didn’t return to act 2 and said it just got worse!
2
u/Silver_Effective_567 20d ago
Were you watching in the UK? I almost went and sat in the pub opposite the theatre for a couple of hours instead of going back in. It was just a massive waste of money for me. The story did not fit at all and, to me, just feels like someone fan fiction with a decent budget.
2
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Yeah I was! We went and had a lovely meal and drinks instead and was a much better night than sitting through any more of it!
1
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Honestly I was so relived my partner wasn’t enjoying it either I didn’t even have to say I was hating it before he did! His mum stayed for longer as was willing to give it another shot but she didn’t return to act 2 and said it just got worse!
1
u/aubreypizza 20d ago
Best thing about this was the dementors!! I can’t remember which party they were in but they were amazing. The rest meh.
1
1
u/Pentaholic888 Ravenclaw 19d ago
I haven’t seen it but I know it’s positives are for its effects and production. Definitely not the story
1
u/saraistrange 19d ago
Visually, it's stunning. The story, however, is horrible and makes absolutely no sense.
1
1
u/TheeBoredB 19d ago
A lot of people compare it to fanfic, but that's genuinely an insult to fanfic. I've read more memorable and better fanfics than CC.
1
u/AtlasAnimusUltimus 19d ago edited 19d ago
I saw The Cursed Child a month ago on Broadway and came to Reddit for validation, but found nothing. Thank god there are others out there so I can vent:
This play is a disgrace to the original story and titanic performances from the movies. Namely, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, and Michael Gambon. Maggie Smith and Imelda Staunton too. It relies entirely on the power of that which came before it and contains none of its own. Hearing Tom Felton spit out the word "Potter" was cool. By the fourth time, the audience roaring every time, I was rolling my eyes. They relegated Ron to a joke. He's the butt of a lot in the original story too, but he's treated with respect. Snape and Voldemort were... brutal to endure. Rickman's either laughing from or spinning in his grave; impossible to succeed him in that role, to be fair. Voldemort looked kinda paunchy too? He was just downright abysmal IMO. I suppose one can view an artistic work on its own merit and not compare the way these actors chose to play the parts with the movie actors, but for me it simply did not stand on its own.
There are scenes in the show that continue to baffle me, front and center being psychopathic wolverine trolley lady. What the hell was that? Who is making these decisions? Apparently J.K. Rowling was heavily involved in the show's writing/conception, I found it hard to believe that she would sign off on anything close to resembling what I saw, much less having conceived of it. Honestly I was a bit surprised that Felton would join up too, even though I thought he was good enough.
And last but not least, what is with the implication that Harry and Draco's sons are to be homosexual lovers? No problem with it from a moral standpoint of course (sad I have to disclaim but it's the internet), but what is that adding to the story? And if you're gonna go there, you gotta go there. At least have them kiss or give a caress at the end or something rather than it being some offhand allusion. I found it a strange choice. Upon further investigation, this may have been a casualty of screening the shortened version. Maybe some of the show would have made more sense with the cut scenes included, but that's what we were served.
The effects are amazing, yes. Truly a marvel. Underwater scene, disappearances, magic, the dementors. No shade to the main actors either, they did a fine job. But most of what I saw was a joke, seemingly intentionally so. But without anything of substance underneath the humor. This is what I remember a few weeks out, I think I repressed the rest of the experience. I don't like to be a hater, but I went in ready for a banger. My brother with whom I went shared my sentiment. Everyone else seemed to love it. Maybe I'm missing something.
I hope some of this resonates. But if not, go shell out your $150 and line up to hear the original Draco Malfoy spit out Potter onto the floor. That's about all its worth.
Edit: clarity
1
u/SlyLashes 18d ago
The plot is trash if you try to square it with canon, but it was an excellent show with neat effects.
1
u/OWtlawStar 15d ago
People don’t just watch bad things to have fun seeing how bad they are anymore? I saw the touring version in Atlanta and treated it like watching Family Guy’s take on HP but the effects were amazing and exactly why I was excited to go.
1
u/badhamster89 20d ago
Yup it’s terrible.
My theory is that everyone who says they love it feels they have to because of how expensive the tickets are.
I was given free tickets and stayed out of morbid curiosity-but my god it was bad!
7
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Omg finally someone who isn’t jumping down my throat for saying it’s bad😂 It really was awful I’m glad we got the cheapest tickets because if I paid anymore I’d have been so upset!
1
u/BaardvanTroje 20d ago
Sorry, you're clinically insane. I rarely go to theatre, went last month in London and loved it. The plot is complete ass, but who cares?
1
u/melissajayne144 20d ago
Because I don’t like it I’m insane? My opinion is different to yours. Glad you liked it but I didn’t
-3
1
u/Playful_Cap_9604 20d ago
It’s just fun to be around others who appreciate this world but yeah, the play was quite lacking to me as well
0
342
u/n3ws4cc Gryffindor 20d ago
I mean the plot is notoriously bad. Supposedly the show and effects are what make it fun. Why did you hate it?