British actor Tom Felton, best known for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, will be reprising his role in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The makers and the star made a joint announcement on social media, garnering reactions from the fans.

<h2>Internet reacts to Tom Felton reprising his role as Draco Malfoy</h2>

In a joint Instagram post with official Harry Potter and Harry Potter Broadway pages, shared the video of Tom Felton and wrote, "Guess who's back". He was seen in a familiar black suit with a wand in the pocket, rings, and a long blonde wig, before ominously saying, "Scared, Potter?".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/harry-potter-series-hbo-unveils-casting-of-harry-ron-and-hermoine-1748361070336">Harry Potter Series: HBO unveils casting of Harry, Ron and Hermoine</a>

Soon after the announcement was dropped, fans flooded social media platforms with their reaction. One user was unhappy and questioned whether he was right for this role or not and wrote, "Isn't he too old for that role?".&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tom Felton is BACK as Draco Malfoy in HARRY POTTER and the Cursed Child! He will reprise his film role for a 19 week engagement starting November 11 on Broadway. <a href="https://t.co/a1UIH2Gf7S">pic.twitter.com/a1UIH2Gf7S</a>&mdash; Wizarding World Direct (@WW_Direct) <a href="https://twitter.com/WW_Direct/status/1930608976745632231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another excited user wrote, "Whaaaaaaaat? I need to book tickets now!!'.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Whaaaaaaat??? I need to book tickets now!!&mdash; Siri Hultqvist (@SiriHultqvist1) <a href="https://twitter.com/SiriHultqvist1/status/1930730682365690056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A third user felt nostalgic and wrote, "How awesome it would be if all the originals were in this, we will always miss the ones that have passed on".&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-playing-what-harry-potter-series-meet-the-new-faces-of-the-magical-world-1748422716181">Who is playing what? Harry Potter series - meet the new faces of the magical world</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">How awesome it would be if all the originals was in this, we will always miss the ones that has passed on 😔&mdash; Cindy Roe Cartwright (@Cc1of260) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cc1of260/status/1930828374269640761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A user had a mixed reaction to him reprising the role and wrote, “Never a fan of Cursed Child and I still refused to acknowledge it as canon but, WHAT DO YOU MEAN TOM FELTON IS BACK AS DRACO MALFOY IN CURSED CHILD ON BROADWAY ON DRACO'S BIRTHDAY?! And that 'Scared Potter' line after so many years? Ugh, I love him!!”&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/harry-potter-movies-in-order-a-complete-chronological-guide-1748257217786"> Harry Potter movies in order: A complete chronological guide</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Never a fan of Cursed Child and I still refuse to acknowledge it as canon but WHAT DO YOU MEAN TOM FELTON IS BACK AS DRACO MALFOY IN CURSED CHILD ON BROADWAY ON DRACO&#39;S BIRTHDAY?! And that &#39;Scared, Potter?&#39; line after so many years? Ugggghh I love him!!! 😍💚🍏🐍🧹 <a href="https://t.co/COlht8vK8w">pic.twitter.com/COlht8vK8w</a>&mdash; 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚒 (@shailikesbl) <a href="https://twitter.com/shailikesbl/status/1930661125676478950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>About Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</h2>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play written by Jack Thorne from an original story written by Thorn, JK Rowling, and John Tiffany. The story's events occur 19 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It is about the second son of Harry Potter, Albus Severus Potter, who gets sorted into Slytherin, but fails to live up to his father's legacy, making him distanced from his father.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harry-potter-series-cast-announced-check-who-will-play-dumbledore-hagrid-snape-mcgonagall-and-more-8962119">Harry Potter series cast announced: Check who will play Dumbledore, Hagrid, Snape, McGonagall and more</a>&nbsp;The story received positive reviews from the critics and the original West End production premiered at the Palace Theatre on June 7, 2016. It bagged several nominations and one award. A Broadway production opened at the Lyric Theatre on April 22, 2018. The West End production is the only location that continues to stage the original two-part play.

Tom Felton is all set to reprise the adult version of Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. With this announcement, it had garnered reactions on social media. 

British actor Tom Felton, best known for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, will be reprising his role in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The makers and the star made a joint announcement on social media, garnering reactions from the fans.

Tom Felton is all set to reprise the adult version of Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. With this announcement, it had garnered reactions on social media.&nbsp;

Tom Felton to return as 'adult' Draco Malfoy for Broadway, Internet reacts to makers' announcement

The stage show of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has a new cast. The London production will have David Ricardo-Pearce play Harry Potter, with Polly Frame as Ginny Potter and Ellis Rae as their son Albus Potter. The regulars include Thomas Aldridge as Ron Weasley with Jade Ogugua joining the cast to play Hermione Granger along with Taneetrah Porter as their daughter Rose Granger-Weasley. Steve John Shepherd will play Draco Malfoy, with Harry Acklowe as his son Scorpius Malfoy.

<h2>The play is based on story by JK Rowling</h2>

Based on an original story by famous author JK Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play by Thorne. In the play, 19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a new adventure – this time, joined by a new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Spells, a race through time, and a battle to stop mysterious forces follow.

Last month, the play celebrated seven years at London’s Palace Theatre. The play is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, directed by John Tiffany.

It is the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage and the eighth story in the series.

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The stage show of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has a new cast. The London production will have David Ricardo-Pearce play Harry Potter, with Polly Frame as Ginny Potter and Ellis Rae as their son Albus Potter.

The stage show of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has a new cast. The London production will have David Ricardo-Pearce play Harry Potter, with Polly Frame as Ginny Potter and Ellis Rae as their son Albus Potter. The regulars include Thomas Aldridge as Ron Weasley with Jade Ogugua joining the cast to play Hermione Granger along with Taneetrah Porter as their daughter Rose Granger-Weasley. Steve John Shepherd will play Draco Malfoy, with Harry Acklowe as his son Scorpius Malfoy. The play is based on story by JK Rowling Based on an original story by famous author JK Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play by Thorne. In the play, 19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a new adventure – this time, joined by a new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Spells, a race through time, and a battle to stop mysterious forces follow. Last month, the play celebrated seven years at London’s Palace Theatre. The play is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, directed by John Tiffany. It is the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage and the eighth story in the series. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child announces new cast

In February this year, rumours and reports of Warner Bros working on the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child started surfacing online. And, fans were quick to speculate that the studio will do everything it can to bring the original cast back for the project. However, we all know that wouldn't be the easiest thing to do!

A new report has surfaced online which claims that Emma Watson, who played the iconic role of&nbsp;Hermione Granger, is sceptical about returning to the big screen as the nerdy Wizard.

As per the reports published by Fandomwire, the makers of the project&nbsp;are keen on bringing the original star cast back for the upcoming instalment, especially the leading trio,&nbsp;Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint,&nbsp;to reprise their respective roles, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. However, the grapevine suggests that Emma doesn't want to be a part of the franchise because of everything JK Rowling stands for.

According to insider Jeff Sneider, WB is facing some issues in getting some of the lead actors back for the revival, especially Emma. And, that's because the original cast members are unwilling to work with franchise creator JK Rowling, because of&nbsp;her transphobic comments.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/urvashi-rautela-nawazuddin-siddiqui-get-notices-from-ccpa-for-endorsing-misleading-ads-580630">Urvashi Rautela, Nawazuddin Siddiqui get notices from CCPA for endorsing misleading ads</a>

"Emma Watson is the toughest one to get back into this, particularly with everything that J.K. Rowling has said and stands for," revealed Sneider.

The report also suggested that&nbsp;Radcliffe holds a similar opinion.&nbsp;

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is written by Jack Thorne and is based on an original story by JK Rowling, Thorne, and John Tiffany. The play takes place 19 years after the events of the final book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The story follows the story of Harry Potter, who is now working at the Ministry of Magic, and his youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, as they navigate their strained relationship and the pressures of living in the shadow of Harry's famous past. When Albus decides to go against his father's wishes and change the course of history, he sets off a chain of events that brings about dangerous consequences and a new threat to the wizarding world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/preity-zinta-slams-paparazzi-shares-two-harassing-incident-that-shook-her-woman-kissed-my-daughter-580627">Preity Zinta slams paparazzi, shares two harassing incidents that shook her: Woman Kissed My Daughter</a>

The play brings back familiar characters from Harry Potter, including Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, and Draco Malfoy, as well as new characters, including Albus's best friend, Scorpius Malfoy, and a mysterious figure known as the "Cursed Child."

Cursed Child has been praised for its impressive stage production, with magical effects and stunning set designs, as well as for its strong performances by the cast. However, it has also faced criticism for its departure from some of the established lore and characterisations of the Harry Potter series.

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In February this year, rumours and reports of Warner Bros working on the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child started surfacing online.

In February this year, rumours and reports of Warner Bros working on the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child started surfacing online. And, fans were quick to speculate that the studio will do everything it can to bring the original cast back for the project. However, we all know that wouldn't be the easiest thing to do! A new report has surfaced online which claims that Emma Watson, who played the iconic role of Hermione Granger, is sceptical about returning to the big screen as the nerdy Wizard. As per the reports published by Fandomwire, the makers of the project are keen on bringing the original star cast back for the upcoming instalment, especially the leading trio, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, to reprise their respective roles, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. However, the grapevine suggests that Emma doesn't want to be a part of the franchise because of everything JK Rowling stands for. According to insider Jeff Sneider, WB is facing some issues in getting some of the lead actors back for the revival, especially Emma. And, that's because the original cast members are unwilling to work with franchise creator JK Rowling, because of her transphobic comments. Also read: Urvashi Rautela, Nawazuddin Siddiqui get notices from CCPA for endorsing misleading ads "Emma Watson is the toughest one to get back into this, particularly with everything that J.K. Rowling has said and stands for," revealed Sneider. The report also suggested that Radcliffe holds a similar opinion. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is written by Jack Thorne and is based on an original story by JK Rowling, Thorne, and John Tiffany. The play takes place 19 years after the events of the final book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The story follows the story of Harry Potter, who is now working at the Ministry of Magic, and his youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, as they navigate their strained relationship and the pressures of living in the shadow of Harry's famous past. When Albus decides to go against his father's wishes and change the course of history, he sets off a chain of events that brings about dangerous consequences and a new threat to the wizarding world. Also read: Preity Zinta slams paparazzi, shares two harassing incidents that shook her: Woman Kissed My Daughter The play brings back familiar characters from Harry Potter, including Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, and Draco Malfoy, as well as new characters, including Albus's best friend, Scorpius Malfoy, and a mysterious figure known as the "Cursed Child." Cursed Child has been praised for its impressive stage production, with magical effects and stunning set designs, as well as for its strong performances by the cast. However, it has also faced criticism for its departure from some of the established lore and characterisations of the Harry Potter series. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child: Emma Watson 'sceptical' to return as Hermione because of JK Rowling?

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' is now ready to make its return to Broadway and this time in a new show format that combines the two-part experience into a single-ticket performance.

Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, the Broadway show will begin at Lyric Theatre in New York on November 16, 2021. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning July 12, 2021.

The play is based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. It is written by Jack Thorne and directed by John Tiffany. It acts as a stage sequel to JK Rowling’s original best-selling Harry Potter books and originally debuted in London in 2016 before opening on Broadway in 2018.

Rowling, in a statement, shared that “collaborating on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been one of the great joys of my professional life.”

The Broadway show will not only make its return to San Francisco but Toronto, Canada, which will shift to the new one-part format while the currently running and soon-to-return productions in Melbourne, Australia, London’s West End and Hamburg, Germany will continue in the original two-part format.

In a statement, producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender called Broadway’s reopening “an unprecedented moment in theatre history.” They said they were“delighted” to announce the debut of a re-imagined show “audiences can see in one afternoon or evening.”

“Given the challenges of remounting and running a two-part show in the U.S. on the scale of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the commercial challenges faced by the theatre and tourism industries emerging from the global shutdowns, we are excited to be able to move forward with a new version of the play that allows audiences to enjoy the complete Cursed Child adventure in one sitting eight times a week,” Friedman and Callender said.

Broadway had been shut down since March 2020 owing to the pandemic.&nbsp;

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' is now ready to make its return to Broadway and this time in a new show format that combines the two-part experience into a single-ticket performance.

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' is now ready to make its return to Broadway and this time in a new show format that combines the two-part experience into a single-ticket performance. Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, the Broadway show will begin at Lyric Theatre in New York on November 16, 2021. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning July 12, 2021. The play is based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. It is written by Jack Thorne and directed by John Tiffany. It acts as a stage sequel to JK Rowling’s original best-selling Harry Potter books and originally debuted in London in 2016 before opening on Broadway in 2018. Rowling, in a statement, shared that “collaborating on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been one of the great joys of my professional life.” The Broadway show will not only make its return to San Francisco but Toronto, Canada, which will shift to the new one-part format while the currently running and soon-to-return productions in Melbourne, Australia, London’s West End and Hamburg, Germany will continue in the original two-part format. In a statement, producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender called Broadway’s reopening “an unprecedented moment in theatre history.” They said they were“delighted” to announce the debut of a re-imagined show “audiences can see in one afternoon or evening.” “Given the challenges of remounting and running a two-part show in the U.S. on the scale of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the commercial challenges faced by the theatre and tourism industries emerging from the global shutdowns, we are excited to be able to move forward with a new version of the play that allows audiences to enjoy the complete Cursed Child adventure in one sitting eight times a week,” Friedman and Callender said. Broadway had been shut down since March 2020 owing to the pandemic.

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' to return to Broadway as single show

Good news for Harry Potter fans as ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ is now introducing an autism-friendly play in New York.&nbsp;

Those interested can buy tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for March 1 when the efficiency will unveil. The same was announced by means of social media.&nbsp;

Being exclusively for those with autism, the efficiency is particularly for individuals with autism or different cognitive disabilities. The tickets are now on sale.&nbsp;

The play announcement was made by TDF (Theater Growth Fund) that began in 2011. They came into effect with ‘Lion King’ which was the first Broadway presented. Among many changes made, these performances don’t have sounds exceeding 90 decibels. The lights are additionally dimmed to half as an alternative of a blackout.&nbsp;

Other changes include removing of strobes, flashes, and other lightening results.&nbsp;

Previously, productions like ‘Cats’, ‘Come from Away’, ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘Spider-Man Flip Off the Darkish’ and others have participated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Good news for Harry Potter fans as ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ is now introducing an autism-friendly play in New York. Those interested can buy tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for March 1 when the efficiency will unveil.

Good news for Harry Potter fans as ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ is now introducing an autism-friendly play in New York. Those interested can buy tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for March 1 when the efficiency will unveil. The same was announced by means of social media. Being exclusively for those with autism, the efficiency is particularly for individuals with autism or different cognitive disabilities. The tickets are now on sale. The play announcement was made by TDF (Theater Growth Fund) that began in 2011. They came into effect with ‘Lion King’ which was the first Broadway presented. Among many changes made, these performances don’t have sounds exceeding 90 decibels. The lights are additionally dimmed to half as an alternative of a blackout. Other changes include removing of strobes, flashes, and other lightening results. Previously, productions like ‘Cats’, ‘Come from Away’, ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘Spider-Man Flip Off the Darkish’ and others have participated.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to now have autism-friendly performance

After a hit debut on London&#39;s West End this summer, &quot;Harry Potter and the Cursed Child&quot; is in talks to move to New York&#39;s Broadway in 2018, producers said on Friday.

The play, based on author JK Rowling&#39;s popular boy wizard character, is being planned for Broadway&#39;s Lyric Theater, which will undergo a multi-million dollar revamp to house the elaborate production, the show&#39;s producers said in a post on Rowling&#39;s website Pottermore.com.

The Lyric Theater is one of Broadway&#39;s largest venues, with nearly 1,900 seats, and has housed complex theatrical productions such as &quot;Chitty Chitty Bang Bang&quot; in 2005 and &quot;Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,&quot; which ran from 2010 to 2014.

In preparation for &quot;Cursed Child,&quot; the Lyric Theater will be remodelled with a slightly reduced 1,500 seats, &quot;to accommodate the dramatic look and feel&quot; of the play.

&quot;Cursed Child&quot; is sold out at London&#39;s Palace Theater until 2018, although more tickets are expected to be released in January.

The play is set 19 years after Rowling&#39;s book series concluded the boy wizard&#39;s teen years with &quot;Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows&quot; in 2007.

The play is penned by Jack Thorne, with a story co-created by Rowling, and centres on the lives of an adult Harry Potter and his son.

A book of the &quot;Cursed Child&quot; script, released to coincide with the opening of play, has become a best-seller this year, with more than 3 million copies sold in the United States within its first month.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Broadway's Lyric Theater will be remodelled in preparation for the play

After a hit debut on London's West End this summer, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is in talks to move to New York's Broadway in 2018, producers said on Friday. The play, based on author JK Rowling's popular boy wizard character, is being planned for Broadway's Lyric Theater, which will undergo a multi-million dollar revamp to house the elaborate production, the show's producers said in a post on Rowling's website Pottermore.com. The Lyric Theater is one of Broadway's largest venues, with nearly 1,900 seats, and has housed complex theatrical productions such as "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" in 2005 and "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," which ran from 2010 to 2014. In preparation for "Cursed Child," the Lyric Theater will be remodelled with a slightly reduced 1,500 seats, "to accommodate the dramatic look and feel" of the play. "Cursed Child" is sold out at London's Palace Theater until 2018, although more tickets are expected to be released in January. The play is set 19 years after Rowling's book series concluded the boy wizard's teen years with "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in 2007. The play is penned by Jack Thorne, with a story co-created by Rowling, and centres on the lives of an adult Harry Potter and his son. A book of the "Cursed Child" script, released to coincide with the opening of play, has become a best-seller this year, with more than 3 million copies sold in the United States within its first month. (Reuters)

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' plans Broadway debut in 2018

After a hit debut on London&#39;s West End this summer, &quot;Harry Potter and the Cursed Child&quot; is in talks to move to New York&#39;s Broadway in 2018, producers said on Friday.

The play, based on author J.K. Rowling&#39;s popular boy wizard character, is being planned for Broadway&#39;s Lyric Theater, which will undergo a multi-million dollar revamp to house the elaborate production, the show&#39;s producers said in a post on Rowling&#39;s website Pottermore.com.

The Lyric Theater is one of Broadway&#39;s largest venues, with nearly 1,900 seats, and has housed complex theatrical productions such as &quot;Chitty Chitty Bang Bang&quot; in 2005 and &quot;Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,&quot; which ran from 2010 to 2014.

In preparation for &quot;Cursed Child,&quot; the Lyric Theater will be remodelled with a slightly reduced 1,500 seats, &quot;to accommodate the dramatic look and feel&quot; of the play.

&quot;Cursed Child&quot; is sold out at London&#39;s Palace Theater until 2018, although more tickets are expected to be released in January.

The play is set 19 years after Rowling&#39;s book series concluded the boy wizard&#39;s teen years with &quot;Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows&quot; in 2007.

The play is penned by Jack Thorne, with a story co-created by Rowling, and centres on the lives of an adult Harry Potter and his son.

A book of the &quot;Cursed Child&quot; script, released to coincide with the opening of play, has become a best-seller this year, with more than 3 million copies sold in the United States within its first month.

(Reuters)

The play's producers announced that the Cursed Child will be performed on Broadway's Lyric Theater on Pottermore

After a hit debut on London's West End this summer, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is in talks to move to New York's Broadway in 2018, producers said on Friday. The play, based on author J.K. Rowling's popular boy wizard character, is being planned for Broadway's Lyric Theater, which will undergo a multi-million dollar revamp to house the elaborate production, the show's producers said in a post on Rowling's website Pottermore.com. The Lyric Theater is one of Broadway's largest venues, with nearly 1,900 seats, and has housed complex theatrical productions such as "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" in 2005 and "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," which ran from 2010 to 2014. In preparation for "Cursed Child," the Lyric Theater will be remodelled with a slightly reduced 1,500 seats, "to accommodate the dramatic look and feel" of the play. "Cursed Child" is sold out at London's Palace Theater until 2018, although more tickets are expected to be released in January. The play is set 19 years after Rowling's book series concluded the boy wizard's teen years with "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in 2007. The play is penned by Jack Thorne, with a story co-created by Rowling, and centres on the lives of an adult Harry Potter and his son. A book of the "Cursed Child" script, released to coincide with the opening of play, has become a best-seller this year, with more than 3 million copies sold in the United States within its first month. (Reuters)

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' plans 2018 Broadway debut

Daniel Radcliffe says he has no interest in reprising his role as the boy wizard, but would love to do a cameo on HBO&#39;s epic fantasy drama &#39;Game of Thrones&#39;. 
 
Speculations were rife that Radcliffe may essay the role of Harry Potter if the play &quot;Harry Potter and Cursed Child&quot; is turned into a movie.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Nobody has said anything to me about ... revitalising the films, so I don&#39;t know,&quot; the &quot;Now You See Me 2&#39;&#39; actor told Reuters, 
 
&quot;It&#39;s not something I think I&#39;d be interested in, and also if they do it now I feel they should just cast the people from the play,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;But he is interested in performing a cameo in the hit series &#39;Game of Thrones&#39;. 
 
&quot;I would love to do (Game of Thrones). If they want to just bring me in and kill me, I would be so happy to do that,&quot; the Press Trust of India quoted him as saying.&nbsp; 
 
Radcliffe however is not sure about commiting to long television shows.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Radcliffe said he does not think he would be interested in, and 'if they do it now I feel they should just cast the people from the play'

Daniel Radcliffe says he has no interest in reprising his role as the boy wizard, but would love to do a cameo on HBO's epic fantasy drama 'Game of Thrones'. Speculations were rife that Radcliffe may essay the role of Harry Potter if the play "Harry Potter and Cursed Child" is turned into a movie. "Nobody has said anything to me about ... revitalising the films, so I don't know," the "Now You See Me 2'' actor told Reuters, "It's not something I think I'd be interested in, and also if they do it now I feel they should just cast the people from the play," he added. But he is interested in performing a cameo in the hit series 'Game of Thrones'. "I would love to do (Game of Thrones). If they want to just bring me in and kill me, I would be so happy to do that," the Press Trust of India quoted him as saying. Radcliffe however is not sure about commiting to long television shows. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Daniel Radcliffe not interested to reprise Harry Potter role

Harry Potter magic hit Asia on Sunday, as aspiring witches and wizards crowded into bookstores to get their hands on the first copies of a new play that imagines the hero as an adult. 
 
Launch parties for &quot;Harry Potter and the Cursed Child&quot; were held hours after the play&#39;s premiere in London, setting the stage for a return of the series that has captivated readers and movie audiences worldwide. 
 
Nearly 300 fans rushed through the doors of Kinokuniya bookstore on Singapore&#39;s Orchard Road at 2301 GMT on Saturday to become one of the first people in the world to see the new script. 
 
Student Samantha Chua, 24, who along with her boyfriend was first in line, said she had been waiting outside the fourth-floor bookstore since 5 am local time . 
 
&quot;We were here so early that the mall wasn&#39;t even open yet so we had to come up through the cargo lifts,&quot; she told AFP, adding that it was &quot;all worth it&quot;. 
 
&quot;I grew up reading the books and I have a special place for them on my shelves, but this will be my crowning glory,&quot; added Chua, who was wearing a Harry Potter-themed sweater. 
 
Widely seen as the eighth Harry Potter instalment, the play is set 19 years after the end of the last book and features a grown-up Potter working at the Ministry of Magic. 
 
Like many of his fans, Potter has now become an adult and has three children with his wife Ginny Weasley. He still has his trademark round-rimmed glasses and the scar on his head, a permanent reminder of his nemesis Lord Voldemort, but must now help his youngest son Albus confront the family&#39;s dark past. 
 
The script&#39;s global kickoff was timed to coincide with its launch at midnight in London, after the play&#39;s world premiere at the Palace Theatre earlier in the evening. July 31 is also author JK Rowling&#39;s birthday. 
 
In Bangkok, around 40 fans, many wielding wands and other wizarding paraphernalia, gathered outside a large downtown mall overnight. Sanpipat Huangsawat, 29, was first in line and had started queuing at 6:30 pm on Saturday evening. 
 
He finally got his hand on the book some 11 hours later. &quot;I feel very excited and it&#39;s great to be the first owner of this book in Thailand,&quot; he told AFP. Sheryans, 16, said he was not sure he&#39;d ever get the chance to see another Harry Potter book launch.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve been following the Harry Potter series since I was eight years old, and it&#39;s unbelievable that after nine years they&#39;re keeping it going,&quot; he told AFP in Bangkok. 
 
Dozens gathered at a downtown bookstore in Hong Kong to get the new title and try on Harry Potter costumes provided by the store. 
 
Ten-year-old Adele Leung, who came with her mother, was anxious to crack into the latest Potter tome. &quot;I love Harry Potter and have read all of the last ones. I think I will read it in a few days,&quot; she said. 
 
In India, fans began lining up outside shops which had opened early especially for the script&#39;s release. &quot;It&#39;s been amazing to see 10-year-old fans and 70-year-old grandmothers turn up at our shops,&quot; Shilpi Agarwal, a spokeswoman for Om book shops, said in New Delhi. 
 
&quot;We&#39;ve got an excellent response,&quot; she told AFP, adding that the store would be laying on Potter-themed activities throughout the day. 
 
From Chennai to Gurgaon, customers queued up outside bookstores across the country mobbing the counters, publishers said. According to them, the consumer pre-orders for the book was the &quot;highest ever for a hardback book in the history of Indian bookselling&quot;. 
 
&quot;The rave reactions from fans, post the London previews clearly indicate that this is classic Harry Potter back again. The consumer preorders for this book were the highest ever for a hardback book in the history of Indian bookselling. The trade orders are over 1.7 lakh copies and we were sold out last evening,&quot; says Thomas Abraham, Managing Director of Hachette India. 
 
Rowling &quot;done&quot; with Harry 
 
JK Rowling, has revealed that the new play &#39;Harry Potter and the Cursed Child&#39; will be the final story for the wizard.&nbsp;Rowling&#39; s comments came at the opening gala for the play in London on Saturday. 
 
&quot;No. No, he goes on a very big journey during these two plays and then, yeah, I think we&#39;re done. This is the next generation, you know. So, I&#39;m thrilled to see it realised so beautifully but, no, Harry is done now,&quot; said Rowling. 
 
The British writer also added that it was not a difficult decision to put her Potter creation onstage thanks to the vision that was sold to her by theatre producer, Sonia Friedman. 
 
&quot;Actually, no it wasn&#39;t. When Sonia came to meet me, her vision with what the show could be chimed perfectly with the material I had about the next generation, and I could see it would work perfectly. So, I never wanted to write another novel, but this will give the fans something special.&quot; 
 
The play, based on an idea by British author and Potter creator J K Rowling, is set 19 years after &quot;Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows&quot;. It features a grown-up Potter as an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic and father of three children who is grappling with his past. The play is already sold out through May 2017. 
 
It opens ahead of the November movie version of Rowling&#39;s Potter spinoff book &quot;Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them&quot;, and follows the opening in April of a second Harry Potter attraction within a theme park, this time at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. 
 
(Agencies)

Sales in India 'highest ever for a hardback book in history of Indian bookselling'

Harry Potter magic hit Asia on Sunday, as aspiring witches and wizards crowded into bookstores to get their hands on the first copies of a new play that imagines the hero as an adult. Launch parties for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" were held hours after the play's premiere in London, setting the stage for a return of the series that has captivated readers and movie audiences worldwide. Nearly 300 fans rushed through the doors of Kinokuniya bookstore on Singapore's Orchard Road at 2301 GMT on Saturday to become one of the first people in the world to see the new script. Student Samantha Chua, 24, who along with her boyfriend was first in line, said she had been waiting outside the fourth-floor bookstore since 5 am local time . "We were here so early that the mall wasn't even open yet so we had to come up through the cargo lifts," she told AFP, adding that it was "all worth it". "I grew up reading the books and I have a special place for them on my shelves, but this will be my crowning glory," added Chua, who was wearing a Harry Potter-themed sweater. Widely seen as the eighth Harry Potter instalment, the play is set 19 years after the end of the last book and features a grown-up Potter working at the Ministry of Magic. Like many of his fans, Potter has now become an adult and has three children with his wife Ginny Weasley. He still has his trademark round-rimmed glasses and the scar on his head, a permanent reminder of his nemesis Lord Voldemort, but must now help his youngest son Albus confront the family's dark past. The script's global kickoff was timed to coincide with its launch at midnight in London, after the play's world premiere at the Palace Theatre earlier in the evening. July 31 is also author JK Rowling's birthday. In Bangkok, around 40 fans, many wielding wands and other wizarding paraphernalia, gathered outside a large downtown mall overnight. Sanpipat Huangsawat, 29, was first in line and had started queuing at 6:30 pm on Saturday evening. He finally got his hand on the book some 11 hours later. "I feel very excited and it's great to be the first owner of this book in Thailand," he told AFP. Sheryans, 16, said he was not sure he'd ever get the chance to see another Harry Potter book launch. "I've been following the Harry Potter series since I was eight years old, and it's unbelievable that after nine years they're keeping it going," he told AFP in Bangkok. Dozens gathered at a downtown bookstore in Hong Kong to get the new title and try on Harry Potter costumes provided by the store. Ten-year-old Adele Leung, who came with her mother, was anxious to crack into the latest Potter tome. "I love Harry Potter and have read all of the last ones. I think I will read it in a few days," she said. In India, fans began lining up outside shops which had opened early especially for the script's release. "It's been amazing to see 10-year-old fans and 70-year-old grandmothers turn up at our shops," Shilpi Agarwal, a spokeswoman for Om book shops, said in New Delhi. "We've got an excellent response," she told AFP, adding that the store would be laying on Potter-themed activities throughout the day. From Chennai to Gurgaon, customers queued up outside bookstores across the country mobbing the counters, publishers said. According to them, the consumer pre-orders for the book was the "highest ever for a hardback book in the history of Indian bookselling". "The rave reactions from fans, post the London previews clearly indicate that this is classic Harry Potter back again. The consumer preorders for this book were the highest ever for a hardback book in the history of Indian bookselling. The trade orders are over 1.7 lakh copies and we were sold out last evening," says Thomas Abraham, Managing Director of Hachette India. Rowling "done" with Harry JK Rowling, has revealed that the new play 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' will be the final story for the wizard. Rowling' s comments came at the opening gala for the play in London on Saturday. "No. No, he goes on a very big journey during these two plays and then, yeah, I think we're done. This is the next generation, you know. So, I'm thrilled to see it realised so beautifully but, no, Harry is done now," said Rowling. The British writer also added that it was not a difficult decision to put her Potter creation onstage thanks to the vision that was sold to her by theatre producer, Sonia Friedman. "Actually, no it wasn't. When Sonia came to meet me, her vision with what the show could be chimed perfectly with the material I had about the next generation, and I could see it would work perfectly. So, I never wanted to write another novel, but this will give the fans something special." The play, based on an idea by British author and Potter creator J K Rowling, is set 19 years after "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". It features a grown-up Potter as an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic and father of three children who is grappling with his past. The play is already sold out through May 2017. It opens ahead of the November movie version of Rowling's Potter spinoff book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", and follows the opening in April of a second Harry Potter attraction within a theme park, this time at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. (Agencies)

Harry Pottermania grips Asia

Harry Potter fans were buzzing with excitement on Saturday as &quot;Harry Potter and the Cursed Child&quot;, a stage play that imagines the fictional boy wizard as a grown-up father of three, opened in London. 
 
After nearly eight weeks of well-received preview performances, London&#39;s Palace Theatre hosted the opening gala as the general public were invited to strap themselves in for a new adventure in the saga that has captivated millions around the globe. 
 
Arriving for the opening gala, creator J.K. Rowling told the Press Association she was &quot;so happy&quot; that fans had heeded her pleas to keep the plot a secret, and said she hoped the play would one day appear on Broadway. 
 
Set 19 years after the events of Rowling&#39;s seventh and final book, &quot;Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows&quot;, the play sees a grown-up Potter working at the Ministry of Magic. The official plot outline for the play reads: &quot;While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted.&quot; 
 
&quot;As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places,&quot; it said. 
 
Like many of his fans, Potter has now grown up and has three children with his wife Ginny Weasley, the sister of his friend Ron. He still has his trademark round-rimmed glasses and the scar on his head, a permanent reminder of his nemesis Lord Voldemort, but must now help his youngest son Albus confront the family&#39;s dark past. 
 
&quot;Harry Potter and the Cursed Child&quot; is currently sold out, but another 250,000 tickets are set to go on sale next week as the play&#39;s run has been extended until December 2017. 
 
&#39;Written with fans in mind&#39;&nbsp; 
 
The script will be released in Britain at midnight on Saturday (2300 GMT), with bookshops planning to stay open into the wee small hours to satisfy the desires of Potter fans. July 31 is the birthday of both Rowling and Potter. Her books have sold more than 450 million copies since 1997 and been adapted into eight films. 
 
Jamie Parker plays Potter, who is joined on stage by his old school friends Ron Weasley, played by Paul Thornley, and Hermione Granger, played by Noma Dumezweni. Albus Dumbledore actor Sam Clemmett has been a big hit, as has Anthony Boyle as Draco Malfoy&#39;s son Scorpius. 
 
The theatre show is written by English screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne, based on an original story co-written with Rowling and the play&#39;s director John Tiffany. 
 
Given the millions of fans around the world, the decision to move the characters on two decades was seen as risky. 
 
&quot;Judging by the whooping and cheering, nobody was disappointed,&quot; Clare Fitzsimons wrote in the Daily Mirror newspaper after the first preview showing last month. &quot;It&#39;s a great show, and it&#39;s well done -- entertaining and interesting for adults and children,&quot; fan Anna, 30, said. 
 
&quot;The play was written with the fans in mind,&quot; she added. &quot;Rowling obviously wanted us to relive some of the pleasure we got from reading the books, and it worked.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The play is set 19 years after the events of Rowling's final book 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'

Harry Potter fans were buzzing with excitement on Saturday as "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child", a stage play that imagines the fictional boy wizard as a grown-up father of three, opened in London. After nearly eight weeks of well-received preview performances, London's Palace Theatre hosted the opening gala as the general public were invited to strap themselves in for a new adventure in the saga that has captivated millions around the globe. Arriving for the opening gala, creator J.K. Rowling told the Press Association she was "so happy" that fans had heeded her pleas to keep the plot a secret, and said she hoped the play would one day appear on Broadway. Set 19 years after the events of Rowling's seventh and final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", the play sees a grown-up Potter working at the Ministry of Magic. The official plot outline for the play reads: "While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted." "As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places," it said. Like many of his fans, Potter has now grown up and has three children with his wife Ginny Weasley, the sister of his friend Ron. He still has his trademark round-rimmed glasses and the scar on his head, a permanent reminder of his nemesis Lord Voldemort, but must now help his youngest son Albus confront the family's dark past. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is currently sold out, but another 250,000 tickets are set to go on sale next week as the play's run has been extended until December 2017. 'Written with fans in mind' The script will be released in Britain at midnight on Saturday (2300 GMT), with bookshops planning to stay open into the wee small hours to satisfy the desires of Potter fans. July 31 is the birthday of both Rowling and Potter. Her books have sold more than 450 million copies since 1997 and been adapted into eight films. Jamie Parker plays Potter, who is joined on stage by his old school friends Ron Weasley, played by Paul Thornley, and Hermione Granger, played by Noma Dumezweni. Albus Dumbledore actor Sam Clemmett has been a big hit, as has Anthony Boyle as Draco Malfoy's son Scorpius. The theatre show is written by English screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne, based on an original story co-written with Rowling and the play's director John Tiffany. Given the millions of fans around the world, the decision to move the characters on two decades was seen as risky. "Judging by the whooping and cheering, nobody was disappointed," Clare Fitzsimons wrote in the Daily Mirror newspaper after the first preview showing last month. "It's a great show, and it's well done -- entertaining and interesting for adults and children," fan Anna, 30, said. "The play was written with the fans in mind," she added. "Rowling obviously wanted us to relive some of the pleasure we got from reading the books, and it worked." (AFP)

And the magic continues: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child hits London theatres

It feels as if time has stood still at Lello, a Gothic Revival-style bookstore in the historic centre of Porto, whose heady &quot;olde worlde&quot; ambiance inspired some of the scenes for Harry Potter. 
 
It was in Portugal&#39;s second city that Potter author JK Rowling let her imagination off the leash during two years spent teaching English in the northern town, spending her free time writing early drafts of the seven-volume global blockbuster that made her a literary household name. 
 
With its delicately sculpted wooden panelling, blue, red and golden stained glass and bookshelves piled high from floor to ceiling, not forgetting its iconic and sweeping staircase, Lello conjures its own form of magic. 
 
The place draws in the beholder to set Potteresque pulses racing, so &quot;familiar&quot; does its setting appear to true fans. 
 
&quot;Wow! It&#39;s amazing, it&#39;s so like Harry Potter!&quot; gushes Ines Pinto, a wide-eyed 11-year-old who makes a beeline for a stack of works on the young magician at the store&#39;s entrance. 
 
&quot;For me, it&#39;s the spitting image of Flourish and Blotts, where young sorcerers buy their magic manuals,&quot; adds Nerea Moyeno, a 24-year-old Spanish tourist. 
 
Moyeno hopes soon to get her hands on &quot;Harry Potter and the Cursed Child&quot;, a new play imagining the fictional boy wizard as a grown-up father of three, which has its official premiere in London on Saturday after winning rave reviews for press performances. 
 
&quot;If the Spanish version doesn&#39;t come out soon I&#39;ll buy it in English,&quot; she said. 
 
The story is set 19 years after the seventh and final book in the Potter series, which have collectively shifted more than 450 million copies since 1997 and been adapted into eight films. 
 
Thousands of fans will descend on Porto this weekend for a festival organised by Lello, says Jose Manuel Lello, 59 and the great-grandson of one of the two brothers who founded the bookstore which has ordered 5,000 copies of the new story. 
 
&quot;We have done very good business out of Harry Potter,&quot; Lello tells AFP. 
 
Even though the bookstore started charging visitors three Euros ($3.50) last year, which they recoup if they make a purchase, sales have mushroomed 300 per cent. 
 
The idea behind the fee, Lello says, is to &quot;manage the stream of tourists&quot; who flock to the store at a rate of some 3,000 per day and &quot;transform them into readers&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
The customer cash boon has also enabled the store, which opened in 1906, to undertake extensive repairs in time for Saturday&#39;s celebration. 
 
&quot;We shall rediscover the atmosphere of 110 years ago,&quot; when the store opened its doors, by recreating the decor of the era, says Lello. 
 
The fine staircase will emerge once again after being clad in scaffolding since April. Although it does not move, unlike the Grand Staircase at Hogwarts school of wizardry, there is a definite resemblance. 
 
Rowling was a loyal customer when she lived in Porto between 1991 and 1993 and likewise, was frequently&nbsp;to be found at the nearby Cafe Majestic, a famed belle epoque cultural haunt for the city&#39;s intelligentsia. 
 
It was at one of the cafe&#39;s white marble low tables that Rowling penned an early draft for what would become &quot;Harry Potter and the Philosopher&#39;s Stone&quot;. 
 
Back then she was just another customer sipping a cup. It would be some years later, from 1997, when her books had already made her reputation worldwide, that Lello booksellers and Majestic&#39;s waiters would highlight their link to the author. 
 
&quot;Tourists have suggested putting up a plaque to mark the writer&#39;s passage, but we don&#39;t know yet where to put it,&quot; says Fernando Barrias, son of the legendary Majestic&#39;s owner whose customers have included actress Romy Schneider. 
 
&quot;Yes, we used to frequent the Majestic,&quot; Rowling&#39;s former husband, Portuguese journalist Jorge Arantes, told AFP in a rare interview. He still lives in the brown and green house the former couple lived in after marrying in 1992. 
 
They split up after a nocturnal argument in November 1993. Two weeks later, Rowling, then 28, left Portugal for good, taking her four-month-old daughter with her. 
 
&quot;In those first weeks in Portugal, I wrote what has become my favourite chapter in the Philosopher&#39;s Stone, &#39;The Mirror of Erised&#39;, and had hoped that&nbsp;when I returned from Portugal I would have a finished book under my arm. In fact, I had something even better: my daughter, Jessica,&quot; Rowling explains on her official website. 
 
Two decades on, guide Bruno Correia shows off some of Porto&#39;s haunts which inspired the author. 
 
Those include a tower looking rather like the Astronomy Tower where Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore meets his end, and the Crystal Palace Gardens which bring to mind the Forbidden Forest, as well as the university, home to black-caped students. 
 
&quot;Their uniforms look very much like those of young sorcerers. Tourists even call them Harry Potters,&quot; says Correia, 33, a fan since his teens. 
 
(AFP)

Lello is a Gothic Revival bookstore in Porto, whose heady 'olde worlde' ambiance influenced some of the scenes from Harry Potter

It feels as if time has stood still at Lello, a Gothic Revival-style bookstore in the historic centre of Porto, whose heady "olde worlde" ambiance inspired some of the scenes for Harry Potter. It was in Portugal's second city that Potter author JK Rowling let her imagination off the leash during two years spent teaching English in the northern town, spending her free time writing early drafts of the seven-volume global blockbuster that made her a literary household name. With its delicately sculpted wooden panelling, blue, red and golden stained glass and bookshelves piled high from floor to ceiling, not forgetting its iconic and sweeping staircase, Lello conjures its own form of magic. The place draws in the beholder to set Potteresque pulses racing, so "familiar" does its setting appear to true fans. "Wow! It's amazing, it's so like Harry Potter!" gushes Ines Pinto, a wide-eyed 11-year-old who makes a beeline for a stack of works on the young magician at the store's entrance. "For me, it's the spitting image of Flourish and Blotts, where young sorcerers buy their magic manuals," adds Nerea Moyeno, a 24-year-old Spanish tourist. Moyeno hopes soon to get her hands on "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child", a new play imagining the fictional boy wizard as a grown-up father of three, which has its official premiere in London on Saturday after winning rave reviews for press performances. "If the Spanish version doesn't come out soon I'll buy it in English," she said. The story is set 19 years after the seventh and final book in the Potter series, which have collectively shifted more than 450 million copies since 1997 and been adapted into eight films. Thousands of fans will descend on Porto this weekend for a festival organised by Lello, says Jose Manuel Lello, 59 and the great-grandson of one of the two brothers who founded the bookstore which has ordered 5,000 copies of the new story. "We have done very good business out of Harry Potter," Lello tells AFP. Even though the bookstore started charging visitors three Euros ($3.50) last year, which they recoup if they make a purchase, sales have mushroomed 300 per cent. The idea behind the fee, Lello says, is to "manage the stream of tourists" who flock to the store at a rate of some 3,000 per day and "transform them into readers". The customer cash boon has also enabled the store, which opened in 1906, to undertake extensive repairs in time for Saturday's celebration. "We shall rediscover the atmosphere of 110 years ago," when the store opened its doors, by recreating the decor of the era, says Lello. The fine staircase will emerge once again after being clad in scaffolding since April. Although it does not move, unlike the Grand Staircase at Hogwarts school of wizardry, there is a definite resemblance. Rowling was a loyal customer when she lived in Porto between 1991 and 1993 and likewise, was frequently to be found at the nearby Cafe Majestic, a famed belle epoque cultural haunt for the city's intelligentsia. It was at one of the cafe's white marble low tables that Rowling penned an early draft for what would become "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Back then she was just another customer sipping a cup. It would be some years later, from 1997, when her books had already made her reputation worldwide, that Lello booksellers and Majestic's waiters would highlight their link to the author. "Tourists have suggested putting up a plaque to mark the writer's passage, but we don't know yet where to put it," says Fernando Barrias, son of the legendary Majestic's owner whose customers have included actress Romy Schneider. "Yes, we used to frequent the Majestic," Rowling's former husband, Portuguese journalist Jorge Arantes, told AFP in a rare interview. He still lives in the brown and green house the former couple lived in after marrying in 1992. They split up after a nocturnal argument in November 1993. Two weeks later, Rowling, then 28, left Portugal for good, taking her four-month-old daughter with her. "In those first weeks in Portugal, I wrote what has become my favourite chapter in the Philosopher's Stone, 'The Mirror of Erised', and had hoped that when I returned from Portugal I would have a finished book under my arm. In fact, I had something even better: my daughter, Jessica," Rowling explains on her official website. Two decades on, guide Bruno Correia shows off some of Porto's haunts which inspired the author. Those include a tower looking rather like the Astronomy Tower where Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore meets his end, and the Crystal Palace Gardens which bring to mind the Forbidden Forest, as well as the university, home to black-caped students. "Their uniforms look very much like those of young sorcerers. Tourists even call them Harry Potters," says Correia, 33, a fan since his teens. (AFP)

A look at JK Rowling's inspiration in Portugal

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