Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two: The Official Playscript of the Original West End Production
#8 in Harry Potter Series
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What’s inside...
The playscript for 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' was originally released as a 'special rehearsal edition' alongside the opening of Jack Thorne’s play in London's West End in summer 2016. Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, the play is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. It continues the story of Harry Potter, now an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, and his youngest son Albus Severus Potter, who struggles 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.
Character compass
Harry Potter
Albus Severus Potter
Ginny Potter
Ron Weasley
Draco Malfoy
Scorpius Malfoy
Minerva McGonagall
Hermione Granger
Delphie
Rose Weasley
Dolores Umbridge
Discussion points
How do the characters' experiences in 'The Cursed Child' relate to the choices they faced in the original Harry Potter series?
What can we learn about friendship and teamwork from Albus and Scorpius's adventures?
How do the themes of legacy and family expectations impact the characters, and can you relate to those pressures?
In what ways do the characters show bravery and how does this inspire you in your own life?
How do the different timelines in the play affect your understanding of fate versus free will?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of making choices and the consequences that follow.
Discuss the value of friendship in overcoming challenges, relating it to the child’s own experiences with friends.
Encourage your child to express how they might feel in a situation where they are dealing with expectations from family or peers, as seen in the book.
Talk about what bravery means to your child and explore different forms of courage exhibited by the characters.
Invite your child to consider how choices can shape our lives, referencing the plot's exploration of different possible outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: This theme is central as the characters work together to overcome challenges, demonstrating that collaboration and supporting each other are key to success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friendships and understand how working as a team can help them achieve common goals, whether in school projects or during playtime.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story illustrates acceptance through characters from diverse backgrounds and with different abilities, showing that embracing everyone's uniqueness strengthens the group.
Real-World Application: This helps children appreciate diversity and promotes inclusion in their interactions with peers, encouraging them to be open and accepting of others who may seem different from them.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Characters in the book face consequences from their choices, emphasizing the importance of thinking through decisions and being accountable for one’s actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of personal responsibility and the impact their choices have on themselves and others, shaping them to be more thoughtful and considerate.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various obstacles but persistently strive to overcome them, showcasing resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persevere through difficulties in their own lives, from academic challenges to personal goals, fostering a resilient and persistent attitude.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The narrative allows characters to make mistakes and learn from them, which is a crucial part of their development and success in the story.
Real-World Application: Teaching children that mistakes are part of learning and growth helps them to not be afraid of trying new things and teaches them to use failures as stepping stones to success.