Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has announced the new cast members joining the production this summer.
Jamie Glover, Rakie Ayola and Thomas Aldridge join the award-winning production as the central trio of Harry, Hermione and Ron respectively. Original cast member James Howard will play Draco Malfoy, and Emma Lowndes takes on the role of Ginny Weasley.
As for the younger characters, original cast member Helen Aluko will play Ron and Hermione’s daughter Rose Granger-Weasley, while newcomers Theo Ancient and Samuel Blenkin make their professional stage debuts as Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy.
Director John Tiffany and producer Sonia Friedman spoke to Pottermore about the additions on the first day of rehearsals for the new cast. John compared the recasting process to another British institution.
‘Think of Doctor Who: new regenerations happen all the time,’ he said. ‘People like seeing new actors and their different approaches to characters.
‘We like to see different actors and actresses playing Hamlet, for example — or Lady Macbeth or James Bond.’
The new cast takes over at the Palace Theatre in London on 24 May 2017 following the final performance from the current cast on 21 May 2017 – almost a year since previews for the award-winning production began in 2016. Sonia said recasting roles is a part of life in theatre.
‘Productions that expect to run a long time will always have to plan for cast changes. A company is usually contracted for a year on long running productions, though they also may stay on longer. Some of the company from the first cast will be staying on but the majority of the cast in year two will be new and they will start performing in a couple of months.’
So, what does John look for when casting Harry Potter?
‘You’ve got to be called Jamie!’ he joked. ‘It’s been quite interesting with various [Cursed Child] characters, because we’ve ended up working with actors that have got a lot of experience in classical theatre. But [we look for] actors that you think will bring something new to this part, and that you’d be excited to see play that part.’
‘They’re not emulating anybody else,’ Sonia added. ‘Great plays, great work, will always be reinterpreted by great actors. We’re really looking forward to seeing what they bring to the parts.’
Also joining the production are new cast members David Annen, Ruthxjiah Bellenea, Danny Dalton, Leah Haile, Rupert Henderson, Elizabeth Hill, April Hughes, James McGregor, Sarah Miele, Jordan Paris, James Phoon, Henry Rundle, Ged Simmons, Mark Theodore, Gideon Turner and Ed White.
Original cast members Nicola Alexis, Rosemary Annabella, Phoebe Austen, Annabel Baldwin, Jabez Cheeseman, Morag Cross, Esme Grace, Lowri James, Martin Johnston, Alfred Jones, Barry McCarthy, Sandy McDade, Tom Mackley, Harrison Noble, Ben Roberts, Nuno Silva, Hope Sizer and Joshua Wyatt will complete the 42-strong company playing a variety of characters, including seven children who will alternate two roles.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne, based on original, new story devised by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany.
The play recently received a record-breaking 11 nominations in this year’s prestigious Olivier Awards, the results of which will be announced on Sunday 9 April.
The next wave of Cursed Child tickets will be available on 25 April 2017. Visit the play's official website for more details.