If you didn’t read the Harry Potter books, you’ve probably seen the movies. If you haven’t seen the movies, you’ve definitely heard about them. Empowered by the magic of Hogwarts, the epic tale told across seven books is condensed into a thrilling 70 minutes in Potted Potter at Canberra Theatre Centre on 4-7 April.

The production was originally created as a form of entertainment for the queues of people waiting outside a London bookstore for the release of the sixth book – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The short skit gave the waiting wizard world enthusiasts a quick recap of the previous books.Although the occasional plot point may have been overlooked, the performers captured the magic.

“As Jeff [Turner] was playing Harry Potter, I played all 360 other characters. At six foot four, my Hermione was something to witness… I think Emma Watson was really worried that I was doing that rendition. Had they noticed me first, I probably would have been in the film,” smiles Daniel Clarkson, co-creator.

Hitting the Edinburgh Fringe Festival the next year (2006), the show was an instant hit. As the final books were released, the show was extended and grew into the spectacle it is today. Potted Potter has sold out shows around the globe, it is currently in its fifth year of residency at a casino on the Las Vegas Strip and has appeared in multiple West End and Off-Broadway seasons.

Throughout the show, you will get to see your favourite characters, moments and spellbinding magic. While they may not have the budget of the Hollywood films, the Potted Potter props would give them a run for their money.

“We have a fire-breathing dragon, Harry versus the horn-tail dragon is there, no expense spared. There’s the Basilisk from the Chamber of Secrets and the flying Ford Anglia, all of these things need to be seen to be believed, just the levels we go to. Game of Thrones has nothing on our dragon.”

There will even be a live game of quidditch where the audience is encouraged to take part. With quaffles flying and the golden snitch needing to be found, the pair thought it would be a great way to keep children engaged.

“What we didn’t realise is that it’s usually the older male members of the audience, the dads that get involved in the quidditch. I’ve seen full-grown men knocking children out of the way to get the goal and these aren’t often their children, they just forget for a second what is actually going on,” he smiles.

Time may be limited, but the production tries to remain as faithful to the storyline as possible, this is led by the rivalry between Harry and he who shall not be named.

“Their ongoing love-hate rivalry, I think secretly Voldemort liked Harry, I’m being very controversial saying that, but I do feel he’s a very misunderstood wizard. You become the best at what you do, then you become thwarted by an 11-year-old schoolboy, that’s not going to be good for anyone’s ego,” says Mr Clarkson.

The gig was also a way for Mr Clarkson to get to the front of the queue and buy the book before it sold out. A parody should always come from a place of love, otherwise, it can get mean-spirited says Mr Clarkson, he certainly does love the Harry Potter series.

“I got into them because my younger brother was only 10 at the time and as I was the actor in the house, my mum was like ‘Can you read him a story at night?’ So, I’d read these Harry Potter books and he’d fall asleep, but I’d carry on reading them. I think there are still chunks of the first book he has never read because I didn’t want to stop.”

Potted Potter is hitting Australian shores for the fifth time. However, Mr Clarkson and Mr Turner won’t be performing on our stages. While they still perform on occasion, in their 40s, they no longer resemble high school boys. They are excited for Australian audiences to see the young actors taking their place.

“We’re thrilled to be able to come back to Australia, it’s one of our favourite audiences to play. We’re used to Brits and people more reserved, but you let us know when you’re enjoying yourself.”

First capturing the imagination and hearts of people around the globe 27 years ago, the popularity of Harry Potter is yet to die down, Mr Clarkson likens the initial rush to Beatlemania for books.

“For us, it was our first real British hero. Up until then, Brits were very good at playing the villains in movies, you look at Star Wars and everyone on the Death Star talked with a British accent. It was lovely to have this hero to get behind and it really was this well-known format of good versus evil and a boy wizard that still resonates.”

Whether you grew up learning to read the books, read them to your children or are new to the franchise there is something for everyone to enjoy in the short and snappy show.

“It’s lovely to come in and have that moment with other Harry Potter fans, with people who are just wanting to have a good time and enjoy yourself,” smiles Mr Clarkson.

Experience the magic of Potted Potter at Canberra Theatre Centre on 4-7 April; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

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