Potted Potter
Garrick Theatre
Reviewed on Sunday 24th March 2013 (Press Performance)
First add in the most successful and iconic books series of all time, then add two hilarious performers, throw in some jokes for the parents and you have the perfect magical potion for a wonderful family outing to the theatre. Sometimes reviewing children's shows can be a little challenging (as a grown up) but I loved Potted Potter, it is extremely clever and more than your average children's show.
Potted Potter follows CBBC’s Dan and Jeff as they take on an impossible challenge - to perform all seven Harry Potter books in just seventy minutes. Let's just say the show doesn't have the biggest budget meaning the set and props are minimalistic, making Dan and Jeff's challenge even harder. Ron's hair is now even bigger and even more ginger (I didn't know that was possible either), Hermione's voice is considerably deeper and my favourite prop was the Nimbus 2000 which was presented as a hoover...
There are plenty of jokes for the parents which safely glide over the younger minds in the audience. I also loved the theatre related jokes which included a short burst of Wicked's Defying Gravity (no great show is complete without a bit of Defying Gravity). I was a little shocked when it was revealed the audience would be participating in a game of Quidditch but without giving too much away it most definitely works and everyone is very much involved, especially a few of the dads who became highly competitive. The only low point was the musical number at the end (a Harry Potter version of Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive) which was funny but a little painful on the ear.
As Potted Potter is rarely patronising and is performed with a touch of spontaneity (at moments it feels like a pantomime), it has wider appeal than you may think. It is a very good parody and if you are a Harry Potter fan I imagine you will absolutely love this show! With a family friendly performance schedule there is no excuse not to see Potted Potter over the upcoming Easter holiday!
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Potted Potter runs at the Garrick Theatre until 21st April 2013.
West End Frame's special offer: Top price seats reduced to £25 (valid all performances while stocks last). Click here to book now!
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