#hpcc: rant

[valleyian]

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tokyo notes | 19.04.25

Here’s a Google Doc with notes I took of the performance I saw in Tokyo!!

[rewritingcanon]

someone needs to make a fanfic where instead of standing to the side and sulking albus just decides to go full on in with his efforts for scorpius.

Homie would be throwing pianos on people fr

WAIT WAIT i need to say something and idk how it’ll be received amongst the masses but I NEED TO SAY IT

albus pov fanfics >> scorp pov fanfics

whyyyy do you ask? because of the 👏gold👏tier👏PINING👏 i want to see that boy sufferrrrr in his feelings. i want this guy to be screaming crying ripping his hair out. put this boy in the trenches and i will gobble that shit up. and i seriously genuinely dont want it to be scorpius because i honestly think scorpius is too swaggy to be as fucking crazy as albus would be LET ME TELL YOU.

albus with his crippling ego stopping him from actively pursuing scorpius more but the fucking second resident-hogwarts-icon polly chapman and her gang of gossips and side bitches start noticing scorpius albus stops fucking around fr. the fucking notebooks are coming out. he’s drawing up plans and shit (they’re all pretty bad because all of albus’ braincells literally come from scorp and rose who he can’t use). he’s getting together an elite squad (his crusty siblings). he’s doing the fucking RESEARCH (reading jane austen and trying to understand how to seduce someone). he’s ringing up his mama and getting her to send tutorials to him on how to bat-bogey a motherfucker so when he sees those grade-A-menaces pulling up on scorpius it is ON SIGHT.

plus he’s a fucking fourteen year old like what kind of gay confidence-crippled fourteen year old in love with their bsf is not going to be delulu?

[crystcllise]

the slytherin dormitory scene is honestly one of my favourite scenes in cursed child because every pairing does the scene so differently and they all devour in every interpretation!!!!

tom and adam’s is filled with so much tension it makes you want to scream into a pillow. scorpius goes to lengths of tickling and attacking albus on his bed although he’s not one for physical touch and keeps his distance. albus’ obvious jealousy towards polly fancying scorpius in the dark world with his side-eye and negative tone. the staring when scorpius sits on the bed with albus and reveals his truth and it feels like he’s about to confess deeper feelings. the evidence that they are both sensing a new feeling through their silence and stares, and scorpius breaks it, like he’s scared to tread into these new waters when albus is slowly diving in. the famous bed grab when scorpius stands up and albus evidently yearns for him to be by his side again as he stares at the bed and touches it with desperation.

ellis and harry’s holds more youthful innocence but a sense of realisation that something is simmering between them that they may have not realised was present before. as scorpius tells albus about the dark world and makes his confession, there’s so much disbelief that it’s even plausible that scorpius’ love for albus saved him?? their closeness as they sit side by side, fully in each other’s space and unwilling to move. albus’ disassociation when scorpius parts from him and he’s barely able to speak as it dawns on him what this might mean for these two fourteen-year-olds that have always been very close friends and would do anything for each other.

special mention to kelton and toby’s performance that made you think twice about what was really going on between them. where it felt like a normal conversation for them, the moment scorpius says “i said you.” they pause for a considerable 5-6 seconds while staring at each other with the biggest grins on their faces before albus can even say “did you?” and laughs in disbelief to himself.

these are just touching on the post-script change performances i’ve seen myself but each little delivery of this scene drives me a little bit insane no matter what. it’s a small moment that some audiences may brush over, but it’s very pivotal in the development of albus and scorpius’ relationship. especially when the stakes are considered of what has happened and what is to come.

slytherin dormitory scene, you will always be famous!

[standingappa]

My problem with cursed child isn’t that they didn’t officially make them get together, because let’s be honest, they’re 14 year olds. 14 year olds are usually confused abt their feelings. both al and scorp would prob realistically not realize their feelings until later.

My problem with the play is that last HALF-ASSED “no-homo” scene. Like pls what is this.

They should’ve just made a scene of al and scorp just talking or smth and left it at that. Maybe a scene with scorp saying that he doesn’t like Rose anymore. but really ANYTHING but that no homo scene would’ve been better

[valleyian]

I’m actually heartbroken over how they keep shortening CC. I was already sceptical to the original shortened version, even though I love that version dearly. But the fact they shortened it once more… it doesn’t work. A lot of the characters feel shallow and you don’t get to see Albus’ bullying which is so important. They also removed the “Slytherin Squib” line, by Yann/Karl, and that’s a disgrace, it’s so iconic 😭 almost all the bickering comments from ensemble is removed and it ruins the immersion

Tho I absolutely adore Chicago cast omg, but please, they should’ve stayed with the OG Broadway 1-parter script. If London stops running the long version I’m leaving this fandom- /hj

everything that has changed in the extra shortened broadway version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child:

i went for a friend's birthday last night and got to see the now newly shortened (again) cursed child play and there were a lot of differences. it was super fast paced and didn't leave the actors a lot of time to breathe or live in their characters as much. it was still so lovely but it's definitely more of a shell than it once was. that being said! my friend and i have compiled a list of all the things that have been altered (that we can remember)

i tried to put everything as in order as possible but my brain isn’t always very good at that!

ACT 1

The whole bit about Hermione thinking Ron confunded the driving examiner is cut

“People always look when you three are together” bit is cut

Albus and Rose happen upon Scorpius much quicker in his compartment

Rose doesn’t say anything when Albus is sorted into Slytherin

There’s been a rumor about Voldemort having a child every year Scorpius isn’t the first to be accused was cut from Draco and Harry’s interaction on the platform.

Albus doesn't ask "What's the counter-curse?" in the potions scene; significantly cut down

Wandlore dance is extended slightly (I think??)

When Albus casts “Incendio” on his Hogsmeade slip, he doesn’t follow it up with his “The ironic thing is I didn’t expect it to work. I’m terrible at that spell.” bit, just leaves after Harry speaks

Harry and Hermione walk into Harry’s office at the same time for the time turner reveal scene instead of Hermione walking in and Harry already being there

The time turner reveal scene is much quicker

When Albus meets Delphi at the stairs, his dialogue of "Who are you? Because this is my house…" is cut and she just skips into the "You must be Albus Potter." lines after popping in with her first few lines

Rose pulls Albus into the compartment this time to speak to him instead of just walking in front of him to speak with him

Dialogue between Albus and Rose is cut down a bit before he goes to get Scorpius off the train

I think the “You really are an enormous geek.” bit was taken out

When Albus asks Scorpius “Did Cedric need to be killed?, instead of saying “Easy question, easy answer: No.”, Scorpius quietly responds “No” before Albus continues on with his ramble

Draco doesn’t say “Voldemort is dead. Voldemort is gone”, his first line in this scene is after the Dark Mark mention

Amos doesn’t say “Of COURSE they do!” when Albus tells him that the ministry has a time turner

Albus, Scorpius, and Delphi (all transfigured into their counterparts at this point) don’t go into the telephone booth to go to the ministry; instead, Delphi/Hermione and Scorpius/Harry wander off one way while Albus/Ron goes the other way (the wrong way) and they have to call him back

No fishfinger sandwiches remark from Hermione to Albus/Ron :(

Bane is completely cut

They have Harry, Draco, Ginny and Ron all searching in the forest instead of just Harry then they split off only Harry being there.

Harry searches the forest instead of encountering Bane; Ginny has to come get him

Albus isn’t in his pajamas in the hospital ward when he wakes up, just his uniform

Harry comes to the realization somehow on his own that Scorpius is the issue “It isn’t a what that’s wounding him, it’s a who” (or something along those lines) and then bans Albus from seeing Scorpius

Ron and Hermione's encounter atop the stairs is MUCH shorter

The entire scene where Harry gives McGonagall the Marauders Map and instructs her to watch Albus and Scorpius is cut

No Bane mention in the Draco and Harry fight scene

If I recall, the lines “I don’t want to hurt you, Draco.” and “How interesting, because I do want to hurt you,” were said earlier in the scene because of cut dialogue

Ginny says “It’s been one minute. What did I miss?” instead of “I only left the room three minutes ago. What did I miss?”

When Harry, Ginny, and Draco go to McGonagall’s office, some dialogue is cut

ACT 2

The act starts with Scorpius on stage in this scene; he’s surrounded by the death eaters as they do the Voldemort Day dance around him instead of him being absent in this scene (only really good change in my opinion, it looked super neat and added to the story)

Scorpius is a lot more intimidating towards Craig when asking where Snape is (trying to take on this counterpart of Scorpion King)

Scorpius doesn’t hug Albus in the water when he reappears (very well could have just been a this showing thing)

Ron and Hermione’s “marriage renewal” scene is cut and changed to just them almost making out (big loss because that scene was amazing)

When Scorpius tells Albus he thought of him to fought off the dementors, Albus goes “Oh.” pauses and then goes , “I mean… Good,” softly

Dialogue is cut from the Owlery scene, including the “it’s time that time-turning became a thing of the past!“ silly bit

Ron doesn’t ramble too long at all about having drinks with Neville, it’s just one short sentence; added in that Delphi is an “older girl” (from the five hour cut originally) and Ron is all like “but go get ‘em I guess”

Ron says “specialis-draco-is-stupido” or something along the lines of that instead of directly repeating "specialis revelio" to mock him

Hermione unscrews the bulb instead of Ginny

No “Still, if I had to choose a companion to be at the return of eternal darkness with, I’d choose you.” bit, that whole scene is considerably shorter :(

Harry and Ginny have a bit of a longer chat in the church; Ginny goes “You're lucky to have me, aren't you?” and Harry responds with “Extremely.” (derived from the original 5-hour play but swapped with who says it)

Ginny and Albus don’t have their heart-to-heart in the church

Delphi's magic show (the fight at the end) is shorter and happens more rapidly than before

it's quite a lot looking at it all on paper. truthfully, i miss the old version. if anyone has seen this shortened version and can remember anything else and/or i'm misremembering anything, let me know! i know i was searching for this when the play was first shortened again so i hope this reaches others who might be curious!

[spacepanda7]

I hate how people feel the need to ship any two characters with a stronger friendship. Like, platonic friendship bonds can be just as valuable and strong, or even stronger than romantic ones. It's a very toxic mindset that any strong relationship has to be romantic or it's less valuable. Friends can hug and be more touchy and tell each other their deepest secrets and know everything about each other and it doesn't have to be romantic. Look at Percy and Grover or Nico and Reyna or Simon (Snow) and Penny or Zuko and Aang and Sokka or Gansey and Ronan or Andrew and Kevin or Inej and Nina or James and Sirius or Harry and Ron or Kaz and Jesper or so many others. Let 👏 Them 👏 Be 👏 Friends 👏

Now that that's out of the way, Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy and Albus Severus Potter belong together.

[dumbledoresphoenix]

Ranting in a space that I guess feels semi-safe?? I don’t know...

My thoughts on the cursed child fandom are chaotic to say the least, I’ve made incredible friends that I love endlessly and created so many memories that I will treasure forever. But. And there’s always a but isn’t there? I can’t help but feel that this fandom gets so twisted with rumours and jealousy and pitting against each other and it drives me insane.

There’s a ‘hierarchy’ culture in this fandom that is so inherently toxic; I say ‘hierarchy’ because there’s always a few small groups of people that others consider to be the main names of the fandom. It’s like a raging popularity contest that no one’s winning, but the overwhelming toxicity from this hierarchy is suffocating. I guess I’ve just accepted the fact that those people are always going to be in this fandom no matter what, the groups change but the attitudes remain the same.

The Cursed Child fandom has bullies. It’s plain and simple. It has for a very long time and while people come and go, there has always been an element of bullying in this fandom and recently I feel like it’s escalated. Just because you have the ability to make yourself anonymous and send horrible messages to people that you don’t know, doesn’t mean you should do it. It’s childish, it’s cowardly and in some places it’s even illegal. Then there’s the subtweets and the stalking and the “checking in” after you’ve blocked someone and STILL continuing to tweet about them knowing damn well they can’t see what you’re saying, let alone defend themselves.

The amount of pure jealousy displayed in this fandom is disturbing. Yes, I agree that Aus should have more social media representation and they more than deserve a cast change announcement, I can understand the resentment and bitterness here especially considering yesterday’s broadway announcement - but that’s not what I’m on about. Belittling others for seeing the show multiple times, or getting replies from the cast, or being recognised at stage door is so childish and pathetic. Stop trying to make other people feel guilty about their own enjoyment.

In other topics, the increasingly loneliness that people are feeling in this fandom is devastating, it’s so horrible that people feel pushed out and that they can’t join in with the fun. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat about Cursed Child! I’ve been around this fandom for a bit and I’ve seen the show several (8) times! I miss chatting to new people! But also get involved in the group chats and the jokes online! I know I’m always looking for new people to be friends with!

Please don’t take this as me trying to police the fandom or whatever, this is literally my opinion and I feel like this is the only safe space that I have so I can write anonymously.

I’m tired and I’m over feeling like I have to tip toe around others in this fandom and even though I reading this is sounds like I hate everything, I truly don’t. I love the parts of the fandom that I’m in, I’d just like the ugly to stop seeping through the cracks because it’s damaging.

[stranger-awakening]

y’all if will the wise & the ice twins gets 13 more kudos it’ll officially be my highest rated work. that’s crazy

[littlerose13writes]

PSA: it is possible to not like CC and still post engaging content WITHOUT bashing what a ‘disaster’ or ‘travesty to canon’ you think it is. Just say ‘not Cursed Child compliant’ and there you go, done

[disneyfanatic-kitty]

Why click on a Cursed Child fanfic if you believe “THERE IS NO HPCC”?

Usually receiving comments is the thing I like most about writing fanfic and I feel very fortunate that bar one religious comment that had nothing to do with my fanfic, the vast majority of comments I have received from my readers have been positive. I haven’t received any real critical comment so far but I imagine it would be hard to take. That said, I think I would like to read critical comments as well as long as the readers actually read my work and the comments are constructive feedback that can help me grow as a writer. But then I found this comment for (the first chapter of twenty chapters so far of) my latest fanfic, which is basically a sequel to Cursed Child, in my inbox today: 

“Just to mention THERE IS NO HPCC It would only be HPCS!”

I used the acronym HPCC to refer to “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” in my story summary as the word limit for summaries on fanfiction.net is pretty short. I gotta say, I was genuinely confused when I first saw this comment and I still don’t know for sure what the person wanted by typing this comment. I’m guessing this person is one of those “fans” who can’t accept “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” as canon that he/she felt the need to scream “THERE IS NO HPCC”, which is fine for me as I don’t know him/her, so his/her opinions have absolutely nothing to do with me, but I seriously can’t fathom why anyone would feel the need to click on a Cursed Child fanfic that he/she has no intention to read just to force his/her own view on others. There are perhaps millions of Harry Potter fanfics out there that I bet he/she would be able to find plenty of fanfics that are purely book-compliant and have nothing to do with Cursed Child but he/she has no right to prevent others from enjoying Cursed Child or using HPCC as artistic inspirations. 

Not to mention, I assume the person was referring to “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” with HPCS, which makes the comment utter nonsense as the person made it sound like I should be using HPCS instead of HPCC and my story has perhaps zero connection to the events happened in HPCS. I can somehow understand some people’s opinions on Cursed Child so as much as I dislike the comment, the first part at least makes sense for me but what exactly was his/her reason for dragging HPCS into the statement?

My sincere advice to all Harry Potter fans who HATE all things Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and feel the need to put it down: 

Don’t read and don’t comment on any HPCC-related fanfic.

[valleyian]

Thoughts on Cursed Child becoming a movie

A very random late night rant, but here we go. I’ve seen a lot of fake trailers circle around the web and on social media in regards to a potential HPCC movie. And whilst that’s all fun and games, I also want to talk about the actual consequences a movie like that would have on both the fandom and people.

First off I need people to understand that HPCC is an (almost) separate entity of the Wizarding World franchise, being mostly excluded or regarded as “non canon” by the mainstream. However this does NOT mean JKR doesn’t receive royalties from the play, she still earns money from it. The ethics of spending money on the play is also something to be discussed, however I want to specifically talk about the consequences that a potential movie would have on the HPCC story and the representation within it.

First of, HPCC although it has controversies, is in my opinion the best installation in the Harry Potter universe when it comes to representation. What do I mean by that? Since HPCC is a theatre play, it follows general casting rules which in most cases is colour blind. This is implemented in most theatre productions where ethnicity of actors do not matter, HPCC is not an exception. This means that a lot of POC actors get opportunities to be on stage and portray these characters, not to mention the deliberate casting of Hermione Granger. (Although I will note that this casting has caused a lot of stir, in addition to the fact most of the productions have yet to cast a POC lead in the role of Albus, not counting Tokyo or Brazil).

Although only speculation on my part, I can’t imagine a HPCC movie would be able to deliver on the representation shown in the play, with the numerous casts that have been. I also would assumed they’d return to the white casting of Rose and Hermione, which obviously would erase the theatre play castings purpose.

Then onto my second point; being queer representation. Although it’s not confirmed 100%, and also wouldn’t be able to be confirmed as long as JKR has her dirty grubby hands on the IP, Scorbus is as close to canon as possible. This became evident after the script rewrite, a rewrite that was deliberately written by the current queer actors of the play. It was also written as a retaliation agains JKRs bigoted statements which she had began to spread at that time. So as of now, the play leaves the relationship between Albus and Scorpius ambiguous, yet it is very obvious there is a romantic undertone. This is the closest to any LGBTQ rep in the Harry Potter Universe, (no I will not count Dumbledore and Grindewald) and it means so much to people. A movie by Warner Bros and directed by JKR would most certainly remove all aspects of this, and return to the original script with the very forced addition of Scorpius x Rose. (Nothing against the ship, but I’m against the way it was used as a last minute ploy to remove any assumed gayness).

A subsection to this topic I want to touch upon is also queer representation within the casting. It’s not uncommon for theatre to feature a diverse cast both in ethnicity and orientations. HPCC again is no exception. Over the shows 8 year long run, there has been countless of queer and trans actors who have played in it. There have been gay and trans leads in the roles of Albus and Scorpius as well as the ensemble, and this representation is crucial. Especially since this is an IP within JKRs hands, casting people of said groups is such a powerful move. I can almost guarantee a movie would NOT be as inclusive.

And lastly, if there is a movie, should you support it? It’s not my place to say, and I will also acknowledge I am hypocritical when it comes to what I chose to consume and spend money on in regards to the Harry Potter franchise. However I also want to acknowledge that when you are supporting the theatre play, you do give money to JKR, but you also give money to the numerous queer and POC actors in the cast, a lot of whom are activist. I personally will stay away from any HPCC content that erases any of the current representation added. Unless the movie follows the new script, with POC and queer actors, as well as minimal influence for JKR, I WILL NOT support it. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk.

Also, feel free to correct me if I stated something incorrect or false in this rant!

[taromilkmagic]

Notes: Cursed Child NY 27 November 2019

My first time watching CC was in Melbourne during previews, and I had an amazing time. A few months later I absorbed myself in the cc fandom here and on twitter and I became more and more obsessed with the incredible casts and crew that are a part of this amazing production all over the world. So yesterday, I finally treated myself to a second viewing of HPCC, but this time with NY Cast 2. I was taking frantic notes in between parts because I wanted to unpack and reflect over it, but when I first saw the play I wasn’t as absorbed into the fandom, so there may be things that are obvious that I’m finding new. Anyway if you’re interested in reading my thoughts on this cast/performance and how I found it different to Melbourne I’ve dumped a rant below...

Part One

Act 1

Nick Albus looking at his family and smiling, so excitedly, when they are about to enter platform 9 3/4, is everything I need in my life. But it really is heartbreaking to watching Albus’s progression from excited and hopeful to isolated and resentful.

Everyone in the background at the station is captivated by Matt Ron’s trick. This time around, I noticed that they are all incredibly grossed out when Ron plucks Lily’s ‘nose’ from his behind (accompanied by a loud fart noise), simultaneously leaning away from the Potters and Granger-Weasleys. It’s these little extra details that really lift the comedy in the show for me.

Bubba Scorpius is anxious and tense, but in a quiet/soft way. While I remember Will having very frantic nervous energy, Bubba is much more reserved and closed in on himself—both emotionally, but also physically. He is permanently hunched over and withdrawn, and his movements are smaller—not as wild— and stiffer than Will McKenna’s (James Snyder does a good approximation of this in the Polyjuice scene). When Scorpius is being sorted, he clenches and unclenches his hands. Then, when the sorting hat declares SLYTHERIN! he slowly closes his eyes. Rather than going ‘oh, as expected!’ like Will does with his head tilt and eye-roll, Bubba Scorp seems a combination of relieved and resigned.

As a sidenote, Bubba was staring emptily in my direction at the start of third year while taking to Albus. So I was a crying mess, but I also felt extremely uncomfortable because it felt like he was looking directly at me with his sad eyes 😂

Something that struck me about Nadia’s and Jenny’s Rose and Hermione: the similarities in how they carry themselves and the way they speak. They both radiate fast-paced Type A energy and you can tell that Rose is every bit like Hermione by her brisk mannerisms and alert eyes.

Jenny’s Hermione has a mischievous streak that isn’t as obvious in Paula’s drier, authoritative Hermione (disclaimer: I love them both). In Harry’s office, the toffee line is sung in an enticing tone. Tof-fee? Translation: Are you sure you don’t want one? Apparently, Jenny was quieter than usual during this performance, but I have to say that I didn’t notice this at all. As my first introduction to her Hermione she was both vibrant and funny. 

Nick Albus and Bubba Scorp are much more tactile than Will and Sean (at least compared to when I saw the Melbourne cast in previews). Some moments that stood out — Nick touches Bubba’s shoulders and back a LOT, including on the train at the start of their third year, and then at the start of fourth year when he escapes Rose’s efforts to (re) befriend him and plunges into Scorpius’ train compartment.

Another instance of cute Bubba-Nick Scorbusness in the visit to St Oswald’s. Scorpius stands directly behind Albus, turned toward the audience and away from Amos, for most of the conversation. He flinches away several times when Amos is talking, essentially sheltering behind Albus. Have I talked enough about how Bubba’s Scorpius really is adorably awkward? When Albus earnestly assures Amos that they know about the danger they’re about to embark on, Scorpius leans in to Albus and says “Do weee?” Albus turns around, and Scorpius immediately spins around and peers at the wall details—he even squeaks Oh LoOk!! (*in small twitter font). Overall, Bubba Scorp feels vulnerable—more vulnerable than Will!Scorp, who is a bit of a drama queen at times—and must be protected at all costs.

Right before drinking his Polyjuice, Bubba did his trademark forehead shzzzzap, and it was art.

Act 2

When Albus and Scorpius decide that Delphi should not travel back to the first task with them, and Delphi is storming off after kissing Albus, Sara and Bubba do that thing where they both almost run into each other and block each other, then feint/dodge in the same direction as each other twice. Bubba Scorp says “OHkay!” in an exasperated voice before going around her. It was an incredibly awkward and funny moment and you could feel the tension between Scorpius and Delphi.

The Edge of the Forest scene was beautiful, as always. I didn’t notice this but at stage-door Nick told me that he stuttered and struggled to say “Look-L-look its-look it’s Hogwarts.” And then he said that Bubba was side-eyeing him like >_> the whole time. Bubba definitely seems like the sort of person who would passive-aggressively judge you at your worst moments, but I love him anyway.

Interestingly, the lighting is different here compared to the Melbourne production. The theatre is lit up with soft golden lights which make it sort of look like golden hour, casting everything in a comforting glow. In the Princess theatre, they go for a more literal Hogwarts-through-the-trees, with gorgeous dappled shadows on vibrant blue and orange stained glass windows. Both of these work wonderfully.

In Dragons, James Romney’s Slytherin student being in the wrong House section and having to squish through everyone was very funny. Kevin Reyes as [Craig Bowker Sr?] was doing something funny in the crowd during the first task as well but I can’t remember it for the life of me sadly. But it made me realise how amazing and constantly on point every single member of the cast is, even when the spotlight isn’t on them. Sitting in row D was a massive change from being in the balcony in Melbourne, and it made me realise and appreciate the actors who are carrying out their own stories in the background. 

Nick’s Albus looks both a little put out and surprised when Hogwarts’ audience has a mixed response to Harry in the first task. 

Interestingly, James Brown III’s Bane is more human than horse here than Melbourne Bane (MelBane?), who would neigh and snort every few sentences. The only horse noise he makes is a loud snort as he backed away into the shadows. 

Albus was having nightmares in the hospital wing during Harry’s conversation with Dumbledore. Several times, he mumbles “Dad?” in his sleep as he tosses and turns. It’s actually kind of heartbreaking. 

James Synder and Nick Podany both pretend to eat the chocolate. The chocolate itself is fake and a Lie. I just thought everyone should know that. 

There is a noticeable difference between Paula’s Hermione and Jenny’s Hermione in the first AU, particularly the DADA classroom. Jenny is much more aggressive and explosive, getting in Ravenclaw girl’s face with a loud nOOO??!!? Her soft, dangerously cold voice was terrifying and a different take to Paula’s terse, irritated, authoritative tone. This AU Hermione seems angry and vindictive, rather than just disillusioned and bitter. In Melbourne, Paula presented her AU Hermione as a possible version of the same person—someone who could grow more and more unhappy with the world over the years. Jenny’s AU Hermione was different; her energy simply felt so wrong and at odds with her usual character, and I think this performance emphasised how unnatural and completely off the new timeline itself is. It definitely made me empathise with how shocked and bewildered Albus would have been, and it reminded me of my experience reading the script for the first time as it gradually dawned on me how messed up the timeline had actually become.

Staircase Ballet in New York made me just as emotional as it did in Melbourne. I don’t think that scene will ever get old for me. Bubba did some incredible face-acting that I was glad to be able to see from my seat. His Scorpius really looks completely broken and despondent as he stares downwards and then, later, at Albus.

Sara’s Delphi is soft (wait what?? I know...) when she speaks to Scorpius about him and Albus. Madeleine Jones had more of a “silly billy, of course you should just talk to him, he’s your best friend!!” big sister vibe when I saw her in Melbourne—gentle, but talking down a little bit (still in a friendly way). This Delphi is much softer, which only makes the reveal more shocking and upsetting when she later reveals her real motives.

Bubba Scorp blowing Polly Chapman a kiss twice in a row to distract her from Delphi under his cloak was so LOUD and breathy and cringe that I may have died from second-hand embarrassment.

The library confrontation! Incredible! @lumoshyperion observed something about Melbourne’s Louis!Scorp in her (incredibly detailed and poetic) review/recap, where he falters and holds himself back at the end of each sentence or phrase during the library confrontation. This was definitely true of Bubba as well! He would sort of trail off and fade away as he spoke, rather than crescendoing continuously to a shout.

When McGonagall came into the library and the two boys were hiding, Nick SKIDDED across the stage and FELL flat on his face, knocking a chair over. It looked really painful and I was like 😶. I asked him about this at SD after, and he said he was okay but that he and Bubba immediately started laughing while they were hiding under the invisibility cloak. After McGonagall left, Bubba casually put the chair back up right before he sat down.

The two boys were both vigorously wiping their eyes during the library confrontation. When Nick hugged Bubba, Bubba made a 😬 and stuck his arms out straight.

When Draco said “The girls’ bathroom on the third floo...ooorwhat on earth would they be doing there.......”, it was so ridiculously deadpan and disappointed and exasperated all at once. I haven’t written many notes on him but Jonno truly is an amazing Draco.

Being from a close seat this time, I was able to see the second task. It definitely didn’t look like a projection this time and that made it feel much more dynamic and engaging.

Bubba Scorp gets immediately self-conscious after the “Consider me engorg-impressed” joke and steps quickly back from Albus and the sink (where he was casually leaning), wrapping his robes around him tightly.

Lauren Myrtle was hilarious as I assume is usual. Lauren’s Myrtle did that thing where she poked at Harry with her foot with every word she said. He flinched back every time, it was hilarious. Diane did a full flinch and staggered back four feet from Myrtle’s hISSSS. 

Lauren looked upside down—DIRECTLY at Albus—when she said the “....and BOYS” line, and Albus immediately started fidgeting with his hair, with his hands behind his head. HE KNOWS THAT SHE KNOWS. In general, Lauren’s Myrtle was just as hilarious as Gillian, although a lot growlier. There was, as there was in Melbourne, a large round of applause as the second task began, presumably for Myrtle! 

I realise I have zero notes about any of the 'adult’ characters but they are just all-around excellence anyway so there’s not that much to say. Matt Mueller is a fantastic Ron, but very different to Gyton. He’s just as cheesy and cheerful, but not as jolly and laidback (if that makes sense...it’s a little hard to describe). Diane Davis as Ginny is Soft™, and very clearly understanding and caring. It’s easy to see that Harry depends on her as a source of advice, wisdom and emotional support. She generally doesn’t “roar” like Lucy Goleby’s Ginny does, so when she shouts it tends to come out in one angry punch—i.e. “My son is missing!” “SO is MINE!” (as opposed to SO!!! IS!!! MINE!!!!). As for James Snyder’s Harry, his anger and frustration in the alternate timeline is scarily believable, and it’s upsetting to see how it affects Albus and Ginny. It made me think of Angery Harry in Order of the Phoenix (I’m not @ing the people who say Cursed Child Harry is OOC, but...maybe I am). His American accent popped in a few times, but I barely noticed it and he was such an incredible Harry that I did not care in the slightest. The woman next to me was marvelling at how much he resembled Daniel Radcliffe, but to me this wasn’t even a fraction of why he felt like an authentic and well portrayed Harry.

Part Two

I have much less notes for Part 2. Part of this is because I was too much of a weepy mess being swept up by the art of Bubba and Nick’s Scorbus and part of it is because my phone died. I hope you enjoy what I DO have though!

Act 3

After being assigned this investigation, I can report that I am pretty sure I saw Bubba drool (?????) in the Dark AU office scene and I don’t know why or how or what... I didn’t even know this was a thing that happened on the daily but yes, yes it did. If anyone can provide more information on this... And yes, Bubba did look amazing in the Dark AU outfit. Thank you for the warning. I was still unprepared.

Spinella Snape was great! He has the deep voice down, and the dryness was Dry. Something interesting that happened in the Snape classroom scene is after he opens the secret passage in the chalkboard, Snape takes Scorp by the shoulders and gently guides him toward it. It’s a surprisingly protective and ~mentorly~ action and it reminded me a little of Snape getting in front of the Golden Trio in the PoA movie. ~Obviously~, Snape is a terrible person. But I guess he’s also capable of looking out for others! Stephen Spinella did an incredible job at actually endearing his character to me.

Ron fumbling with the wand for ages before pointing it at Scorp in the Dark AU. Unlike Gyton (and the script), Matt didn’t point it at himself this time. But he fumbled with his jacket a ridiculous amount before finding his wand and it got a lot of laughs, including from me!

Bubba was so out of breath after getting out of the pool that he had to take a long pause between the first “Harry!!!!” And “HARRRYYY POTTERRRR!”

Fiona Reid’s Petunia, in the graveyard scene, was visibly emotional. You could hear her voice getting choked up as she thought about Lily. I didn’t pick this up the first time I watched the show, but here I got it and I even teared up a little.

The jump scare GOT ME.

During the Slytherin Dorm scene, Bubba Scorp leaned over the top of Albus’ bed and yelled directly over his face to wake him up. This was both hilarious and adorable. And Malfoy the Unanxious: this whole scene was pure gold. Bubba doing weird hip-swaying dances in the air on tippy toes. Bubba waving his hands in weird and wild gesticulations (a contrast accentuated by how stiff and closed up he was prior to this). Aaah. He must be protected at all costs. 

Bubba said the ‘It’s time that time turning became a thing of the past” line very solemnly, and leaning in very close to Albus’s face (!) rather than standing (sitting?) next to him and gesturing proudly, which is what I remember from Melbourne. It’s an interesting take and a more serious one. It’s also more Scorbusy, so I’m not complaining. 

When Harry and Ginny and Draco walk in on Ron and Hermione kissing, Diane Ginny said OH! really loudly and, without a pause in her stride, immediately circled around and started to leave 😂

Jonno Draco acted so disgruntled when Specialis Revelio didn’t work. It was hilarious how grumpy he sounded when he said it was worth a try

Sara’s Delphini was much more menacing than I remember from Melbourne. I think what Madeleine did great in Melbourne is make Delphini seem like Ralph Fiennes’s Voldemort — powerful, ambitious, confident, a little bit dramatic. She DECLARED her lines: it was very Shakespearean. Sara was more sneaky and sinister. You get a sense of how she easily tricked Albus and Scorpius. Also, when she was mocking Albus for being naive, she did the little leg-kick dance that she did when she was saying he was becoming quite some wizard. I don’t remember if this is something that always happens with her or with other casts, but this is the first time I was paying close enough attention to notice it and I got CHILLS at the return. Sara’s Delphini is just that sinister and bone-chillingly terrifying.

Act 4

I have a lot of Feelings about Part 4, but not many details, sadly. Mostly because I was too absorbed by the incredible acting by everyone on stage.

James Snyder jumped around a lot when he said “Clever boy left me a message!” and it was such a pure and adorable move compared to his previous Angst that the audience laughed and cheered.

Jonno was wiping his eyes a LOT in the scene in Harry’s office. Several times, as Draco spoke about Astoria and her death, he got so choked up that he had to pause and take a breath before going on. It was a teary scene for all involved and a great testament to Jonno’s acting ability. 

Since we’re on Jonno, his delivery of “Look at the thatched roofs.......and......is that a farmer’s market?” SENT ME. He genuinely sounded kind of intrigued, interested and hopeful. I guess Joward Draco isn’t the only one who loves a good farmer’s market.

When Draco and Scorpius hugged in Godric’s Hollow, they hugged for a long time. He held onto Scorpius for a long time after, repeatedly craning his neck to be closer and holding him close as if afraid to let go again. Throughout subsequent scenes, Jonno kept his hand firmly on Bubba’s arm/inner elbow. You can see how shaken Draco was at losing Scorpius, and how fiercely protective he is now that he has his son back.

When Nick hugged Diane from her side, sitting on the bench in St Jerome’s, he knocked her down a little and she said oH! as she lost her balance. It was such a spontaneous moment and showcased the bond between Albus and his mum.

In the second to last scene, and perhaps most importantly in this entire recap...When Nick Albus says: “You better ask Rose if that’s the right thing to do!” (in response to “this new version of us”), Bubba keeps his hands firmly gripped on Nick’s arms, and stares at his face for a full three seconds before going “oh-ahaha...yeah!” and laughing awkwardly. Then, when he goes off and the stairs start spinning to bring Nick into the Nice Day scene, Nick keeps his head facing to the side where Bubba had exited—Albus’ gaze lingering distantly on Scorpius. Not saying Scorbus is canon (I really am), but Bubba Scorp’s last scene presented him as a very believable Confused Bisexual.

Finally: Nick and James rushing into a hug right as the lights went down.

“We almost broke like four times” — Nicholas Podany, 2019, on his scenes with Bubba. We are so blessed to have them.

[rewritingcanon]

did you know you can tell if someone is not a nextgen-predominant fan just from the way they characterise and write james sirius potter? did you also know you can tell which among those people like snape and which like the marauders more? just from the way they write james sirius potter.

[tastefulcucumber]

As I watched hpcc I couldn’t put my finger on why I HATED albus potter so much, but I think I figured it out. His entire personality is “depressed kid”. No other personality trait. It’s good to figure out why that character sucked so much. And you know if he wasn’t a main character it wouldn’t have put me off so much, but he IS a main character of the play? So like?? The other main characters (Harry, scorp) have multiple personality things going on. It’s just a bit off putting when the number 1 main character is dependent on one personality trait (depression) I feel like if they focused in on his relationships with his siblings maybe that would have cut through a bit? He’s just so MEAN to his dad and literally only friend. Like I get it bro the lack of serotonin makes us all pissy and sad but it’s wild that his entire character is built on that. Like when he starts to feel better at the end of the play he has literally no personality because the one part of it was starting to fade out.

Why am I ranting about a bad bootleg version of a bad 5 year old play? Who knows

[degeneratemaidens]

SCORPIUS appears at the back of the stage. He looks at his friend talking to a girl  — and part of him likes it and part of him doesn’t.

SCORPIUS isn’t enjoying the DELPHI-ALBUS double act.

ALBUS looks up at SCORPIUS and his heart breaks. He walks on.

SCORPIUS is left looking up after him. Heartbroken.

ALBUS enters and walks up one staircase. SCORPIUS enters and walks up another. The staircases meet. The two boys look at each other. Lost and hopeful—all at once.

And now the staircases part  — the two look at each other  — one full of guilt  — the other full of pain  — both full of unhappiness.

“Listen to me, Scorpius. Think about Albus. You’re giving up your kingdom for Albus, right?”

“If I had to choose a companion to be at the return of eternal darkness with, I’d choose you.”

SCREAMS! BECAUSE SERIOUSLY. HE’S SO IN LOVE WITH HIM AND FUCK HETERONORMATIVITY. reading harry potter and the cursed child is like reading a badly written fanfiction about these two where they don’t end up together because both of them are guys. jk rowling better fix this and write another book, maybe in their sixth or seventh year and let them end up together ffs. 

[aloo-methi]

preach this🙌🙌🙌🙌

I hate how people feel the need to ship any two characters with a stronger friendship. Like, platonic friendship bonds can be just as valuable and strong, or even stronger than romantic ones. It's a very toxic mindset that any strong relationship has to be romantic or it's less valuable. Friends can hug and be more touchy and tell each other their deepest secrets and know everything about each other and it doesn't have to be romantic. Look at Percy and Grover or Nico and Reyna or Simon (Snow) and Penny or Zuko and Aang and Sokka or Gansey and Ronan or Andrew and Kevin or Inej and Nina or James and Sirius or Harry and Ron or Kaz and Jesper or so many others. Let 👏 Them 👏 Be 👏 Friends 👏

Now that that's out of the way, Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy and Albus Severus Potter belong together.