All seven Harry Potter books in ’70 hilarious minutes’ promises the publicity for this UK production, which has already been seen by millions of muggles and wizards. And the advertising doesn’t lie. Comedians Scott Hoatson and Brendon Murphy deliver in spades as they send up, misquote, skewer and generally have lots of good-humoured fun with J K Rowling’s beloved characters.
On a set that looks like it could be a school production, Potter ‘expert’ Scott finds himself hampered by Brendon’s lack of knowledge of all things Hogwarts – as well as a troupe of actors to play the likes of Hermione, Dumbledore, all the Weasleys, Hagrid et al – and so, in true comedic fashion, it falls to Brendon (who has clearly failed miserably in his tasks to cast and provide suitable props) to play all parts. And the fun begins. Potted Potter verges on pantomime with myriad quick costume changes, misinterpretations and many jokes, some of which were aimed at and enjoyed by adults. On the night I attended, the audience was a mix of ages and contained many young aficionados, suitably adorned with wands and hats, and (usually) Gryffindor scarves. There is some audience participation in Potted Potter and the kids just loved it.
Brendon’s wilful ignorance of the books, his references to the ‘sorcerer’s stone’, his insistence on playing Quidditch (despite a lack of brooms, although a snitch (of sorts) is sourced), an aside to ‘Hermione’ at the UN, a Hagrid that had everyone convulsed with laughter are just a few of many very funny moments. It’s a slick production, with a few Aussie references thrown in for good measure, as well as some adaptions of songs such as ‘I Will Survive’.
Writers Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner bill their work as a parody, calling it ‘The Unauthorised Harry Experience’ and although it is quite irreverent it is unlikely to upset ardent Potter fans. An achievement in itself. Others in the creative team are director (Richard Hurst), Simon Scullion (set design), Tim Mascall (lighting), Phil Innes (music composition) and Tom Hillenbrand (video, including an excellent summation, and remarkably brief summation of the multi-plot driven Book 4).
Clarkson and Turner created Potted Potter in 2005 as a five-minute entertainment in a London bookshop for fans awaiting the release of the sixth book in the series. The show grew from there into a full-length stage production, first seen at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2006, and has toured internationally since, played multiple West End and off-Broadway seasons as well as at Las Vegas. Like the Potter books, it hasn’t dated. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.
At the Seymour Centre, until 21 April
Tickets: $69.90 – $89.90
More: www.seymourcentre.com/event/potted-potter/ and www.pottedpotter.com.au
