“Harry Potter” in the theater: Fans excited and tight-lipped – SPIEGEL ONLINE

Breathless with excitement, but tight-lipped. Thus, for the reaction of the lucky describe who were allowed to see the first preview of the first part of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on Tuesday. “I have tears and laughter expected, but not this goose bumps,” said a 18-year-old that the “Guardian” after the premiere of the theatrical sequel J.K. Rowling’s wizarding epic in London’s Palace Theater interviewed.

“It exceeded my expectations by far,” said a student who had traveled specially for the premiere of the USA. Even from the Philippines came “Harry Potter” fans. All united, that they wanted to reveal as little as possible of what they had just seen there on the stage.

So they came to the desire of the author, who had asked on Monday in a video message why not to tell of the plot. J. K. Rowling says in the short film: “I ask you one more time, to preserve the secrets, so that the spectators who come later, can still enjoy all the surprises of ‘Cursed Child’.”

The first reactions on Twitter were also at least positive, if not exuberant – but also quite nebulous. Typical tweets from viewers read: “Can not get much betrayed, but I can not expect part to see two”, or: “All I can say is, this is probably the best thing I’ve ever seen.”

The eighth episode of the fantasy saga told from an adult Harry Potter, who has three children and works as a civil servant at the Ministry of Magic. The play, which is divided into two parts, is to pick up where the last volume of the book series ends. Harry Potter’s youngest son Albus will play an important role in the play – and contend with the legacy of the famous father. Father and son must rise to make the shadows of history.

Recently, there had been disputes over the occupation of the role of Hermione with the black actress Noma Dunezweni. Rowling had called fans who had protested against a “bunch of racists”.

Apart from the anticipation of the plays is unbroken. After a record-breaking pre-selling 175,000 tickets in 24 hours is expected to “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” will be the big hit of the London theater season. On eBay tickets for 600 pounds offered.

It takes a few weeks until it officially starts. Traditional enter the theaters of London’s West End, its actors eight weeks time, their roles in previews – so rehearsals with audience – to find and deepen. The actual premiere starts on 30 July. Until then, the theater critic to publish any reviews. As from 31 July, the theater can also be purchased in printed form.

Who was missing from the first preview, the “Harry Potter” actor was from the movies. However, Daniel Radcliffe had a good reason, as he said in an interview: “It would be just weird, because the ‘Harry Potter’ fans then watch me in how I look at the piece but I want to do anything from. would distract piece. “

Whether the secrecy really keeps to the premiere, may be doubted. Viewers of the Preview were in any case requested to come an hour before, so a bag check could be carried out. Last year, fans had filmed the premiere of Benedict Cumberbatch as “Hamlet” and put online.