West End audiences can celebrate a spellbinding decade of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London, with the show’s 10th anniversary on 30 July 2026. To mark this magical milestone, the show will follow in the footsteps of the Broadway and international productions with a theatrical transformation – becoming one part instead of two. This means more audience members than ever will be able to enjoy the magic, all in one day!
Ahead of the show’s anniversary, explore the magical history of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End with our timeline below.
The world premiere of the play was announced on the 18th anniversary of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which was published 26 June 1997.
26 June 2015
The show is officially announced.
The world premiere of the play was announced on the 18th anniversary of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which was published 26 June 1997.
Priority booking for the show went live and was extremely popular, with 175,000 tickets sold within 8 hours. Public booking followed on 30 October, and was equally popular, with extensions to the initial run subsequently announced.
28 October 2015
Priority booking goes wild!
Priority booking for the show went live and was extremely popular, with 175,000 tickets sold within 8 hours. Public booking followed on 30 October, and was equally popular, with extensions to the initial run subsequently announced.
The show’s cast sparked controversy, as some took issue with the casting of a Black actress, Noma Dumezweni, as Hermione. JK Rowling responded, pointing out that Hermione’s skin colour is never explicitly described in the books, and Dumezweni later won an Olivier Award for her performance.
20 December 2015
Initial casting creates controversy.
The show’s cast sparked controversy, as some took issue with the casting of a Black actress, Noma Dumezweni, as Hermione. JK Rowling responded, pointing out that Hermione’s skin colour is never explicitly described in the books, and Dumezweni later won an Olivier Award for her performance.
The show had its official press night and opening at the Palace Theatre, following previews on 7 and 9 June. The media were finally permitted to release reviews, but were urged to “keep the secrets” and preserve the magic for theatregoers.
30 July 2016
The London show officially opens.
The show had its official press night and opening at the Palace Theatre, following previews on 7 and 9 June. The media were finally permitted to release reviews, but were urged to “keep the secrets” and preserve the magic for theatregoers.
It earned an utterly magical 11 Olivier nominations. It won a record-breaking nine, including Best New Play, Best Director and Best Set Design, as well as Best Actor wins for the actors playing Harry, Hermione and Scorpius.
9 April 2017
Record-breaking Olivier wins.
It earned an utterly magical 11 Olivier nominations. It won a record-breaking nine, including Best New Play, Best Director and Best Set Design, as well as Best Actor wins for the actors playing Harry, Hermione and Scorpius.
Harry Potter on Broadway opened in April 2018, spellbinding audiences in America and winning six Tony Awards. The original London principal cast, including Olivier winners Noma Dumezweni and Jamie Parker, reprised their roles for the transfer.
22 April 2018
The show flies off to Broadway!
Harry Potter on Broadway opened in April 2018, spellbinding audiences in America and winning six Tony Awards. The original London principal cast, including Olivier winners Noma Dumezweni and Jamie Parker, reprised their roles for the transfer.
Productions in London, Broadway and Australia were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The London production welcomed visitors back to the wizarding world on 14 October 2021.
16 March 2020
The magic pauses due to the pandemic.
Productions in London, Broadway and Australia were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The London production welcomed visitors back to the wizarding world on 14 October 2021.
Back to NYC for a moment -Tom Felton, AKA Draco Malfoy in the original films, made his Broadway debut as Draco. He received standing ovations for his performance and extended his 19-week run through to 1 November 2026. Whether he uses the Floo network to perform in the West End is yet to be confirmed…
10 November 2025
Tom Felton returns to the wizarding world.
Back to NYC for a moment -Tom Felton, AKA Draco Malfoy in the original films, made his Broadway debut as Draco. He received standing ovations for his performance and extended his 19-week run through to 1 November 2026. Whether he uses the Floo network to perform in the West End is yet to be confirmed…
The show announced its transfiguration into a one-part production, following in the footsteps of international productions, including Broadway, which made the change in 2022. The one-part production will run for 2 hours and 55 minutes, including an interval.
28 January 2026
London show announces a change to the two-part structure.
The show announced its transfiguration into a one-part production, following in the footsteps of international productions, including Broadway, which made the change in 2022. The one-part production will run for 2 hours and 55 minutes, including an interval.
The London production celebrates 10 years on stage – having welcomed over 2.2 million theatregoers to the wizarding world over a decade!
30th July 2026
Happy 10th anniversary!
The London production celebrates 10 years on stage – having welcomed over 2.2 million theatregoers to the wizarding world over a decade!
The London production stages its final performance of the two-part version, and takes a short break to prepare for the new, one-part version.
20 September 2026
Final performances for the two-part version.
The London production stages its final performance of the two-part version, and takes a short break to prepare for the new, one-part version.
The first performance of the one-part production opens in London – and remains as magical as ever!
9 October 2026
The revised one-part show opens.
The first performance of the one-part production opens in London – and remains as magical as ever!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tickets
Now you know all about the history of the show, book your tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child today – and be part of the production’s future!
Tickets for the two-part version are currently on sale through to 20 September 2026, with the revamped one-part show booking from 9 October 2026, so theatregoers can choose whether they want to catch the final performances of the iconic original or be one of the first to see its transfiguration!
The show is renowned for its dazzling stagecraft and stunning special effects – so SeatPlan’s seat view photos and seat reviews will ensure your visit is as magical as possible! With over 3000 reviews for the Palace Theatre, uploaded by real theatregoers, you can check the view from your seat, as well as ratings for legroom, view and comfort, before you book.
Share Your Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Memories
Have you already seen the show? Share your thoughts on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London below – but remember to keep the secrets!
Comments