Harry Potter and the Cursed Child One-Part Review at Palace Theatre London

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End is based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany.  The play celebrated 10 years at the Palace Theatre in London this summer.  It ran as one play in two parts for over a decade but relaunched in October 2026 as a one-part production, telling the whole story in just under three hours. But does it retain the original production’s magic?

The Story 

Harry Potter is now an employee at the Ministry of Magic and married to Ginny. Their youngest son, Albus, starts at Hogwarts and is sorted into Slytherin where he forms an unlikely friendship with Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco. Together the friends travel back in time and their actions cause changes which are not always desirable.  By revisiting past events, the audience is treated to a recap of many classic characters and moments. 

Incredible On-Stage Magic 

The first reason to go is the stage magic. Tricks happen right from the start and I was first wowed when ears steamed after a sweet was eaten on the train.  This was an introduction into the effects which continued with spectacles like broomsticks rising and wands sparking.  Papers in the office tidied themselves and the telephone box transportation into the Ministry of Magic happened right before me.  Characters transformed into others with polyjuice potion and the bookcase scene in Hermione’s office was incredible.  The magic must be tricky to deliver and there was a fifteen minute show stop related to one of the effects before the show continued without further issue. 

A Strong Cast

I saw Ethan Rouse as Albus and Bill Stanley as Scorpius, with Zoë Rainey as Ginny and Adam Jackson-Smith as Draco. Albus and Scorpius’ friendship is the emotional heart of the play.  The father and son relationship between Harry played by David Ricardo-Pearce and Albus is also relatable and grounding.  A special mention must be given to Tatum Confrey who embodied Moaning Myrtle.  Also the ensemble were strong throughout, creating the hustle and bustle in the station and school, making the setting feel real and busy.   

Clever Costumes  

The costumes were cleverly incorporated into the show.  The ensemble used their robes brilliantly in movement sequences with slick choreography which I’ve heard called cloakography which summarises their use:  Swirling cloaks appear as a dance linking one scene to the next. I liked the nod to the original colour design from the films, for example Hermione wearing a purple outfit, Umbridge her pink preference and Ron his striped jumper.   

Wizarding World Staging 

The staging evokes the world of Hogwarts with the dark wood and curved arches.  The moving staircases create the setting you recall from the films as they glide and turn like a dance with students moving between and on them.  Other scenery is simple such as doorways and single beds without full room pieces but it is enough to evoke the setting.   Props are also relatively few but include the important items, such as the key time turner, plus props such as suitcase are sufficient to create the location of King’s Cross. 

One Part? More Accessible! 

The play is more accessible now that it runs in one part instead of two. I sat next to a visitor who told me that he would not have had time to see the play if it was in two parts and one part also means that only one ticket needs to be purchased instead of two, making it more affordable.  I enjoyed it more than when I came ten years ago when it took the whole day.  This is because it is more fast paced but easier to follow as the story has to be more succinct.  The pace should suit an audience who are now used to quick delivery with full series being released at once whereas a decade ago we were waiting a week for another episode of our favourite programmes.  

It should still appeal to families with Potter fans old and new but explains enough background for a novice to keep up with the speed of delivery.  The augurey explanation might be a little slight though in the one-part production. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently booking at the Palace Theatre until 27 June 2027.

Where I Sat

My seat was Grand Circle C9 which was one seat from the end of the row on the side.  The Grand Circle was well-raked so I could see well over the two rows in front.  The right front corner of the stage was obscured as the Grand Circle curves.  There were a few scenes there which were missed so perhaps the same seats on the other side would not have this issue as less would have been obstructed.  I was lucky that nobody was sitting on the end seat so I could angle sideways and use the extra leg space but I might have otherwise struggled with legroom.   

Have You Seen the One-Part Harry Potter?

Have you been amongst the first to see this streamlined version of The Cursed Child in London? Add your review to SeatPlan and share what you thought. You’ll even earn points towards theatre vouchers if you add a seat photo!

Reviewed by Candace Ashbyfor SeatPlan, October 2026