Theatre review: Potted Potter
This ‘Unauthorised Harry Experience’ is a great way to get out of a 20-hour movie marathon, with a power-through of every Harry Potter book in an entertaining 70-minute performance.
Potted Potter goes through all seven of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books, re-enacting only the most important parts – from a beach ball quidditch game with the audience, to a parodied performance of “I Will Survive” in place of the final book.
Although the touring parody show is especially enjoyable for young audiences, co-creators Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner have also thrown in a number of adult-themed jokes for the parents in the room. From Peter Dutton as a punchline to a 50 Shades of Grey reference, there are just enough gags to keep older audience members entertained as performers Scott Hoatson and Brendan Murphy’s high-energy re-enactments go on.
The references to Les Misérables and Tina Turner, in theme with the musical being performed in an adjacent building, were also clever.
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Potted Potter features a nice range of storytelling devices, with a satirical PowerPoint telling the tale of Harry Potter in his third year of Hogwarts, and a fight scene between Harry and Voldemort in book four including “dark magic” in the form of rigged card tricks. One scene which feels a little risky involves Dumbledore being played in a slightly sexualised way, gyrating and telling Harry to call him “Daddy Dumbledore”.
Audience interaction is heavily used in the show – from singling out people to call out cheers, to pulling two kids on stage for a game of quidditch – and seemed to be especially enjoyed by the children.
First performed at Edinburgh Fringe in 2006 before going on to tour internationally, Potted Potter is a great night out for young Harry Potter fans, and an entertaining evening for older ones, although it is likely to be best enjoyed by those who are very familiar with the stories.
Potted Potter was performed at the Dunstan Playhouse from May 10-12.