When it was announced late last year that Melbourne’s production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child would be “reimagined” in a condensed form, anyone who had seen this enthralling, magical show (awarded five stars by Limelight) probably wondered how any of it could be cut.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Melbourne, 2021. Photo © Daniel Boud

Fear not, Muggles. This new three-and-a-half-hour production (including interval), cut down from the original five-and-a-half-hour two-part experience, is just as enthralling and magical – probably more so, as the story is more focused and those jaw-dropping theatrical effects come thick and fast. Fans may lament there’s less to lap up, but everyone else is more likely to be swept along (and turn up since only one pricey ticket is required instead of the original production’s two).

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the theatre-exclusive sequel to JK Rowling’s books (and their film adaptations) about that famous boy wizard. Written by Jack Thorne and based on a new story by him, this show’s director, John Tiffany, and Rowling, it’s set 19 years...