93 posts
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Post by avenueqresident on Sept 27, 2016 12:17:20 GMT
So I'm wondering how popular Cursed Child will be for Halloween costumes this year! Would possibly be giving away spoilers though I reckon if you went as Delphi in her full guise
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330 posts
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Post by charliec on Oct 9, 2016 11:57:17 GMT
Revisited this last night, having seen it from the very top/ back of the theatre right at the beginning of previews it was a real treat to see it from row c of the stalls.
Everyone has grown into the roles wonderfully, Anthony Boyle was out ( holiday week I think) so James Le Lacheur was on, a brilliant Scorpius, it's probably the best role in the play and it's so well written.
Everything feels smoother than the last time I saw it. The atmosphere is different from last time, I guess it's safe to assume a large chunk of the audience have read the published script now so there isn't the gasping and ripples of excitement throughout the audience that there was before. Still a few gasps in the Umbridge reality part though!
Really thought I'd escape emotionally intact this time, but no... that one moment when the leads are all at the front of the stage watching the murders happen is such a huge moment in the potter universe, I defy anyone to not be moved by it. It's such a perfect moment.
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1,102 posts
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Post by zak97 on Oct 9, 2016 12:53:49 GMT
The audience reactions during previews will be forever one of my favourite theatrical moments. Very special discovering the story for the first time along with everyone else. Btw, are they still doing the badges? When I went last month they had a guy with a box at the doors, but weren't giving them out to everybody when leaving the auditorium. I think it was more of 'if you want one'.
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133 posts
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Post by mjh on Oct 9, 2016 13:21:38 GMT
Based on James La Lacheur's Casting Call Pro, the end of the current contracts is 21st May 2017.
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Post by moony93 on Oct 9, 2016 13:48:10 GMT
The audience reactions during previews will be forever one of my favourite theatrical moments. Very special discovering the story for the first time along with everyone else. Btw, are they still doing the badges? When I went last month they had a guy with a box at the doors, but weren't giving them out to everybody when leaving the auditorium. I think it was more of 'if you want one'. When I went the other week there was just one person giving them out at the end of part one at the main doors, and then nothing at the end of part two, so I'm guessing they're just giving out what's left. I do like the badges though, before the script came out it was like being a part of a secret club.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2016 16:23:32 GMT
The audience reactions during previews will be forever one of my favourite theatrical moments. Very special discovering the story for the first time along with everyone else. Btw, are they still doing the badges? So true. The audible gasps, screams and reactions at the first preview are something I will never forget.
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6,382 posts
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Post by Jon on Oct 9, 2016 20:10:28 GMT
That's why I think the script was published far too early. If there are plans to mount many international productions (and I believe JKR said this would go everywhere eventually), then its slightly bittersweet because an element of excitement from any new production has been removed. It's a lose lose situation, fans who couldn't get tickets would feel excluded from those who could get tickets but at the same time, knowing what happens does slightly ruin the surprises. In a more cynical way, publishing the script means it's another revenue generator for JKR and her publishers, I'm not sure if the Fantastic Beasts script will sell as well since the film will be much more widely available but clearly she, her publishers and Warner Bros must think it'll sell well enough to justify making it available
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Post by oxfordsimon on Oct 31, 2016 0:21:46 GMT
Just home from my first (and probably only visit) to the show. Could only afford balcony seats - but didn't feel too badly cheated.
Part 1 is dramatically and theatrically more successful for me - as I was never quite certain what was going to happen next whereas Part 2 saw a repetition of a lot of the stagecraft which was thrilling in Part 1 - but necessarily less fresh when repeated. The plotting has a more predictable shape as it was clear we were heading towards one resolution, new drama and final showdown. Still enjoyable but less satisfying.
It is a classy piece of work - with some very impressive theatricality. The lighting is particularly strong - particularly in the use of darkness.
Very glad to have finally seen it (a year after spending 8 hours chasing 3 seats together for a double day!)
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2,585 posts
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Post by viserys on Oct 31, 2016 9:14:34 GMT
Just back from my 1st one day show and my 3rd overall visit (and my first outside of previews). It is still an incredibly strong play, made stronger perhaps by seeing it all in one go. I've seen it twice where I've had to wait 48 hours between parts and 24 hours between parts, and I'm now wondering if the delay somehow enhances the experience of part one - giving part two a much harder task overall. Seeing it all in one day doesn't make me want to split the play into halfs or judge the afternoon against the evening - it is one full play and I feel slightly bad for previously judging each play against each other. The production is tighter and actors are evidently having fun with the roles a lot more - which brings out the humour in the script even more. However it did feel at times like it was being played for laughs in places, but perhaps rightly so as when it was the entire theatre laughed - including me who has seen and read it a number of times now. Would you say that the part of Delphi has improved (either the character or the actress or both)? I found her to be a bit of a weak link in the second part. I won't be seeing the show again until October next year when there's likely been a full cast change, but I'm curious if they worked out the kinks here.
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Post by danielwhit on Nov 2, 2016 0:40:42 GMT
Would you say that the part of Delphi has improved (either the character or the actress or both)? I found her to be a bit of a weak link in the second part. I won't be seeing the show again until October next year when there's likely been a full cast change, but I'm curious if they worked out the kinks here. She is better, not perfect. Much less panto so much improvement in that respect. She still needs to be Bellatrix crazy imo after the reveal. I see no reason why she couldn't undergo some sort of transformation and visually appear to be a mini Bellatrix once it's out in the open too - as it stands she looks nothing like Tom Riddle or Bellatrix. The murder of Craig falls flat still too. He is literally introduced 4 hours into the thing and murdered 10 minutes later. As an audience we're just not invested. I also think the last scene at Cedric's grave has been re-written - or at least more added to it. I could be wrong, but it felt longer and there were bits I didn't recognise but it feels much more like an ending than it did before. One thing I did wonder, is how on earth Scorpius and Albus managed to get from Scotland to Godric's Hollow without magic or money? (You can't appetite without a wand). As I understand it, Godric's Hollow is towards Cornwall? How lovely it would have been for Scorpius to summon Dobby (who was alive back in the 1980s and a Malfoy house elf) and have him apperate them there... The house elf would know from his own magic that Scorpius was a Malfoy and therefore bound to serve, but I suppose that's something else that messes with time! Yes - Craig was rather like that. I suspect he was installed to be pretty much "Cedric, the second" - but due to the structure we didn't meet him long before. He really was "the spare", I guess. Godric's Hollow is, I believe, in the West Country (but never specified further). Point valid though. Can't recall the details in the script to remember if anything was hinted at regarding this. Get the point about Dobby - but how would Scorpius be able to summon a house-elf he never met? Dobby leaves the Malfoy's service long before Scorpius is born. Would Lucius/Draco have even mentioned their old house-elf to Scorpius?
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Post by swjw on Nov 9, 2016 20:49:01 GMT
For people who have seen the play can you explain how the scene changes work? Does it fade to black for a while then the lights come back on to a new setting? How long does that usually take?
Also how did they do the lake sequence? Underwater and swimming on the surface, what did that look like on stage?
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571 posts
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Post by westendwendy on Nov 10, 2016 8:00:50 GMT
The staging of the show is flawless. No the lights don't fade. It's more a case of different set pieces slide on and off (quite often the two main staircases) and they are used for different scenes. Part 1 I thought was creatively amazing, part 2 a tad repetitive.
The water and tiny swimming pool is at the very front of the stage. (Think of where the conductor would be). The whole front of the stage is covered over so it extends right to where the audience sit. At the end of act one a two meter section of the very front centre of the stage opens up and reveals what is obviously a large (hopefully slightly heated water tank - the boys come out from that. They obviously need water proof microphones and there must be a u shapes design that means they can come from underneath the stage. (Think of the show O if any of you have seen that in Vegas).
The main thing I thought of - do the people on the front row get wet? Surely they must do?
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1,204 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 10, 2016 8:48:39 GMT
On my first visit I sat on row BB, second row centre aisle, and nobody got wet. They splash very little, just for a moment. On my second visit I was a bit further back, row G, but again pretty sure nobody got wet.
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Post by cmcphail on Nov 10, 2016 10:48:27 GMT
I think it depends on the night, I was in the front row one night and Albus managed to spit a big mouthful of water all over me. It was certainly an immersive experience.
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Post by swjw on Nov 10, 2016 20:52:08 GMT
The staging of the show is flawless. No the lights don't fade. It's more a case of different set pieces slide on and off (quite often the two main staircases) and they are used for different scenes. Part 1 I thought was creatively amazing, part 2 a tad repetitive. The water and tiny swimming pool is at the very front of the stage. (Think of where the conductor would be). The whole front of the stage is covered over so it extends right to where the audience sit. At the end of act one a two meter section of the very front centre of the stage opens up and reveals what is obviously a large (hopefully slightly heated water tank - the boys come out from that. They obviously need water proof microphones and there must be a u shapes design that means they can come from underneath the stage. (Think of the show O if any of you have seen that in Vegas). The main thing I thought of - do the people on the front row get wet? Surely they must do? oh ok so do you see actors having to break character and get into position on the next set for the new scene? Sorry if this sounds naive but I haven't experienced play like this before. Another sequence I wonder about is the train roof scene, how was that done? Was there a screen showing moving images in the background to show the train was traveling through the countryside or something?
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Post by stuartmcd on Nov 10, 2016 21:01:29 GMT
The staging of the show is flawless. No the lights don't fade. It's more a case of different set pieces slide on and off (quite often the two main staircases) and they are used for different scenes. Part 1 I thought was creatively amazing, part 2 a tad repetitive. The water and tiny swimming pool is at the very front of the stage. (Think of where the conductor would be). The whole front of the stage is covered over so it extends right to where the audience sit. At the end of act one a two meter section of the very front centre of the stage opens up and reveals what is obviously a large (hopefully slightly heated water tank - the boys come out from that. They obviously need water proof microphones and there must be a u shapes design that means they can come from underneath the stage. (Think of the show O if any of you have seen that in Vegas). The main thing I thought of - do the people on the front row get wet? Surely they must do? oh ok so do you see actors having to break character and get into position on the next set for the new scene? Sorry if this sounds naive but I haven't experienced play like this before. No they never break character and just seamlessly move from one scene to another. The scene changes are really fluid and are often treated like dance with plenty of cape swishing.
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1,204 posts
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 11, 2016 8:33:20 GMT
Just saw Part 1 last night. My third visit. The show is in good shape and I enjoyed it as much as in my two previous visits which took place before the book was published. This time I had the feeling that everybody knew the story beforehand and because of that part of the magic was gone. Really missed the gasps and the unexpected surprises of my previous visits but it can't be helped. Still a great night out and looking forward to Part 2 tonight.
I noticed two understudies last night, Ginny and Moaning Myrtle. The both did a decent enough job but I missed the originals who are both great.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 13:17:26 GMT
I finally saw part one and two this Thursday and Friday, and wow, is there a lot to be said about this production. So firstly, it was my first visit to the Palace theatre, and boy does it suit this play.it almost feels as though it was destined to house Harry Potter. From the brickwork to the glass verandas outside which seem to match the design of the boathouse from the Deathly Hallows. Getting in for both parts was seemless, so kudos to the FOH and security teams. The queue snakes along the side of the building, but when the doors open, it moves at a brisk walking pace, so there really is no need to stand and queue for ages to avoid delays.
So on to the plays. On the whole, I much preferred the first part to the second, the on stage magic is very impressive especially on first sight. The characterisation of Ron (in particular), Hermione, Ginny, Minerva and Myrtle was all so well executed, there was no doubt who they were. Unfortunately Harry has always been lacking on the personality front, so although Jamie did very well, it's not a role with loads of scope I fear. Umbridge I thought was... ok. The first time she laughed it was very accurate, but after that she just continued to use the iconic laugh far too much and it became very characature-like, but to follow in Imelda's footsteps is no easy feat.
As for the story, I genuinely felt it a bit lacking, particularly the second part. I found it became incredibly predictable, and lacking imagination somewhat. Although this is helmed as a new story, it's really an amalgamation of most of the seven original stories and so had an air of being simply a greatest hits package for the fans. There are obvious throwbacks to the Philosophers Stone, Goblet of Fire (obviously), Prisoner of Azkaban, and the Deathly Hallows in particular. Having said that, this was still an immensely beautiful production, with elements I've not seen on a stage before.
My main highlights were: - Moaning Myrtle. - Scorpius Malfoy: AMAZING. - The part one finale was jaw dropping, and gave a real sense of fear, I loved it! - Scorpius and Albus in the lake. - The Polyjuice Potion scene. - Snape conjuring his Petronus. - The movement between scenes. - Set pieces such as the staircases.
My least being the following: - Delphie was very shouty and monotonous, moreso as the Augury. - Snape. - Lack of Neville, even if he was name dropped.
I also noticed that the lighting at the front of the theatre changes between parts, which was a nice touch. I spent a fortune on merchandise too, I'm not sure if I'll be able to go back anytime soon,
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Post by theatrefan77 on Nov 12, 2016 14:57:43 GMT
I was there last night also for Part 2. Good fun again but I agree that Part 1 is much better. Still not too keen on Norma Dumezweni take on Hermione. Her Hermione is a bit one dimensional and fails to show the vulnerable side of the character, although this is probably the way she's being directed.
But this is still a great production and I will probably come back for a fourth visit before the cast change.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 19:43:52 GMT
Also, interestingly, legroom in stalls J23 appalling for part one. L20 for part two, perfectly comfortable, if a little snug for 6' 3".
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Post by swjw on Nov 12, 2016 20:44:12 GMT
My least being the following: - Delphie was very shouty and monotonous, moreso as the Augury. - Snape. - Lack of Neville, even if he was name dropped. I also noticed that the lighting at the front of the theatre changes between parts, which was a nice touch. I spent a fortune on merchandise too, I'm not sure if I'll be able to go back anytime soon, can I ask what was it about Snape that you'll didn't like? Was it the actor or the fact his character was even in the story? I'll admit that the scene with Scorpious telling Snape he's from another reality was one of the best moments in the whole series for me (I've only read the script).
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 23:19:07 GMT
My least being the following: - Delphie was very shouty and monotonous, moreso as the Augury. - Snape. - Lack of Neville, even if he was name dropped. I also noticed that the lighting at the front of the theatre changes between parts, which was a nice touch. I spent a fortune on merchandise too, I'm not sure if I'll be able to go back anytime soon, can I ask what was it about Snape that you'll didn't like? Was it the actor or the fact his character was even in the story? I'll admit that the scene with Scorpious telling Snape he's from another reality was one of the best moments in the whole series for me (I've only read the script). To be honest I found his portrayal rather bland. Which is the last adjective one thinks of in association with Snape. Granted we don't know what the character has been through up until that point to make him change, but it just disappointed.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2016 19:47:41 GMT
legroom in stalls J23 appalling for part one If you are that tall, yes, I can see it. Lucky you were no further along the row, then it's tight for everyone. Still a damn sight better than sitting in the balcony for legroom, if accounts on here are to be believed. I'll take row J over that any day. Are there any plans to release the music for digital download or CD? Imogen Heap's distinctive sound really suited the performances.
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649 posts
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Post by ptwest on Nov 15, 2016 19:24:36 GMT
Painkillers are an essential for the Palace -I always have some ready just in case!
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Post by grocker on Dec 1, 2016 13:55:13 GMT
I finally got the chance to see the play last night for the second time since the last week of previews in July.
It's been almost 6 months since the very first previews, and you can tell the production is now a well-oiled machine. I found the pacing the second time around to be too rushed in comparison to the first time. Scorpius is my favourite character in the play, and while Anthony Boyle still hits the mark as Scorpius, I miss the first version of the little nuances he puts into all of his Scorp-isms. They're still there, but they have moved onto different variations from the first time I saw the play.
In regards to pacing as a whole, it felt rushed in that the characters and little moments did not have as much room/time to breathe and sink in before moving on to the next thing.
I suppose it's the very nature of the screenplay being published and time passing by, but some of the initial magic has less of a 'wow' factor with audiences than it did earlier on.
That being said, it's great to see that some of the scenes still have the ability to shock/get a reaction from the audience. Things such as the boys realising Neville's pivotal role during the Battle of Hogwarts as part of their time travel still got an audible reaction. There were some other scenes, but I have forgotten the specifics of the others.
Slightly disappointed that I didn't get to see Sam Clemmett as Albus; according to Twitter, he was in Barcelona. I asked a few staff members as to when he was due to return, but no one knows. I'm guessing at least a week if you look at his Twitter convo with a fan and with Albus alternate, Tom Mackley. However, another quick scan of Twitter reveals that today, Sam is with the cast at the What's On Stage awards, so who knows, he might be back already.
Tom Mackley was pretty good as Albus; personally, I find Albus to be slightly annoying, but I think that's meant to be part of his personality, so that aspect came across in his portrayal as well.
I think that Esther Smith's portrayal of Delphine Diggory has definitely improved. I think she has probably taken notes and/or grown into the role more. Less "panto" as mentioned in this thread previously. I think given more time, I'd like to see her bring more of the crazy Lestrange side of her parentage out.
I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play.
It was also nice seeing the play from a different perspective. At the end of June, I saw it from around Row R towards the centre of the stalls. This time around, I saw it from the Dress Circle in Row B. It was a good view, but definitely tight quarters.
It was really creepy and cool seeing the Dementors flying towards the circle and balcony.
I get to see it again tonight for Part One and tomorrow for Part Two, so it shall be interesting to see the differences again the third time around.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2016 14:54:12 GMT
I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play. In fairness, Harry was PRETTY SHOUTY in the books, especially Order Of The Phoenix.
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Post by grocker on Dec 1, 2016 17:29:59 GMT
Fair point, Baemax. I haven't read the books in a while, so perhaps I have blocked out just how shouty he can be.
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Post by Jon on Dec 1, 2016 18:02:59 GMT
I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play. In fairness, Harry was PRETTY SHOUTY in the books, especially Order Of The Phoenix. Shouty Harry is one of the reasons why Order of the Phoenix is my least favourite book of the series.
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Post by daniel on Dec 2, 2016 12:51:34 GMT
Broadway transfer is confirmed for Spring 2018, the theatre is booked...announcement should be made soon!
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Post by wickedginger on Dec 2, 2016 14:42:14 GMT
I finally got the chance to see the play last night for the second time since the last week of previews in July. It's been almost 6 months since the very first previews, and you can tell the production is now a well-oiled machine. I found the pacing the second time around to be too rushed in comparison to the first time. Scorpius is my favourite character in the play, and while Anthony Boyle still hits the mark as Scorpius, I miss the first version of the little nuances he puts into all of his Scorp-isms. They're still there, but they have moved onto different variations from the first time I saw the play. In regards to pacing as a whole, it felt rushed in that the characters and little moments did not have as much room/time to breathe and sink in before moving on to the next thing. I suppose it's the very nature of the screenplay being published and time passing by, but some of the initial magic has less of a 'wow' factor with audiences than it did earlier on. That being said, it's great to see that some of the scenes still have the ability to shock/get a reaction from the audience. Things such as the boys realising Neville's pivotal role during the Battle of Hogwarts as part of their time travel still got an audible reaction. There were some other scenes, but I have forgotten the specifics of the others. Slightly disappointed that I didn't get to see Sam Clemmett as Albus; according to Twitter, he was in Barcelona. I asked a few staff members as to when he was due to return, but no one knows. I'm guessing at least a week if you look at his Twitter convo with a fan and with Albus alternate, Tom Mackley. However, another quick scan of Twitter reveals that today, Sam is with the cast at the What's On Stage awards, so who knows, he might be back already. Tom Mackley was pretty good as Albus; personally, I find Albus to be slightly annoying, but I think that's meant to be part of his personality, so that aspect came across in his portrayal as well. I think that Esther Smith's portrayal of Delphine Diggory has definitely improved. I think she has probably taken notes and/or grown into the role more. Less "panto" as mentioned in this thread previously. I think given more time, I'd like to see her bring more of the crazy Lestrange side of her parentage out. I love Jamie Parker as Harry, and he is perfect in Part One. In Part Two, however, I still find it hard to deal with shout-y Harry. It feels a bit out of character for the Harry I have in my head, but it has less to do with his portrayal and more to do with the way Harry's been written for the play. It was also nice seeing the play from a different perspective. At the end of June, I saw it from around Row R towards the centre of the stalls. This time around, I saw it from the Dress Circle in Row B. It was a good view, but definitely tight quarters. It was really creepy and cool seeing the Dementors flying towards the circle and balcony. I get to see it again tonight for Part One and tomorrow for Part Two, so it shall be interesting to see the differences again the third time around. Can i ask how you have managed to get tickets for the show three times?
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