Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

[kathryn]

A bit harsh to target Potter, when its previews are reduced price, unlike CumberHamlet's. Also, I think 'in the public interest' is way overstating the importance of theatre to the general public and the well-being of the nation.

[Deleted]

I think it's more the length of the preview period that's the issue here, and I can understand why. The whole point of a preview is to try out in front of an audience the aspects of a script that need to be tried out in front of an audience. If your script is so iffy that it takes weeks of trying things out to get it right then you're in the wrong business. Similarly if you're fixing technical issues during previews: those are things that can be sorted out without an audience and there's no excuse for inflicting them on the audience.

I'm not quite sure why Harry Potter is doing this. It's not as if the production would struggle to meet its break-even point without gimmicks.

[Deleted]

I'm assuming there's symbolism involved in press night being July 30th and reviews thus being due on 31st July - maybe it's as prosaic as Sonia Friedman saying "look, we are starting performances on this date come hell or high water" and JK Rowling going "okay but we're not having reviews until Harry's/my birthday".

Orrrrr maybe they want the scripts being released on 31st July to be as accurate to the reality as possible, so ironing out the script issues as early on in previews as possible and including them in the script is only possible if press night is so far away.

Orrrrr maybe their commitment to keeping it as affordable as possible (even after press night, you can see both parts for less than the top two premium price tickets to Book of Mormon on a Saturday night) means they thought it would just be a nice thing to have a long period of reduced price previews.

Orrrrr maybe they want as many fans to see it as possible before critics start writing in earnest (and shame on those who have started writing even though they lack earnestness) and a 7th June to 30th July preview period was the best they could do.

[Jon]

There is going to be two editions of the script which are the Rehearsal Edition which is out on the 31st July and the Collector's Edition which likely include all the revisions at a later date. I assume the script books are in the process of being made and published so they can't make any revision to the Rehearsal script books.

[fhaps]

Jun 8, 2016 14:46:35 GMT Jon said:

There is going to be two editions of the script which are the Rehearsal Edition which is out on the 31st July and the Collector's Edition which likely include all the revisions at a later date. I assume the script books are in the process of being made and published so they can't make any revision to the Rehearsal script books.

Yes, this exactly. A few more details were confirmed yesterday:


"A later, Definitive Edition of the script is set for release in early 2017. This final and complete edition will replace the Special Rehearsal Edition in bookshops, both in print and digitally.

The Definitive Edition will contain the perfected, definitive script with final stage directions and annotations, as seen on opening night and beyond. This edition will also include extra content, such as writing from the play’s creative team."

[Deleted]

You can make (not too complicated) revisions up until fairly late in the publishing process, and I believe the Collector's Edition is due to contain production pictures, so it's not *wholly* unfeasible that the Rehearsal Edition could contain updates of things ironed out in early previews. I was just brainstorming possible reasons for the extended preview period, I'm sure I could keep going if I really wanted to.

[fhaps]

Jun 8, 2016 14:52:40 GMT @baemax said:

You can make (not too complicated) revisions up until fairly late in the publishing process, and I believe the Collector's Edition is due to contain production pictures, so it's not *wholly* unfeasible that the Rehearsal Edition could contain updates of things ironed out in early previews. I was just brainstorming possible reasons for the extended preview period, I'm sure I could keep going if I really wanted to.

Oh yes, this is also true. 

I hope they don't make this revisions though, as it would be interesting to have both versions up for comparison: the initial one and the final, definitive version; to see how it evolved with previews (even though from what everyone is saying it looks like it's quite polished already.)

[CBP1]

Agree with all Baemax's thoughts.

I'd also guess that part of the reason for the extra long preview period is to try and promote the #keepthesecrets idea for as long as possible. While there's a press embargo they can try and shroud it in secrecy, whilst keeping up a healthy social media buzz.

Think back to the days of the HP books when you had to try and read it as fast as possible to avoid spoilers. Clearly that's much harder with the advent of Twitter etc, but they seem to have turned this around to their advantage. Fans are happy that they don't gets spoilers and the producers/JK get lots of media attention without any focus on the actual content of the play. Just calling something secret automatically ramps up the excitement. Which makes for a great atmosphere before the play even starts (and potentially allows the audience to overlook any shortcomings because they've already been swept up in the magic).

And you can rely on the hardcore Potter fans to shut down anyone (including the press) who tries to defy JK herself and spoil it for others. It may still be hard for the critics to go to town on it once it opens, especially if nothing has leaked throughout previews. Reviews will have to be pretty generic or risk the wrath of fans. Which is fine for a glowing review. But if reviews are negative, they'll struggle to back up what they're saying without being accused of spoiling something for the army of fans who are waiting patiently to see it.

I've just talked myself into concluding that it's a brilliant marketing ploy.

[Nelly]

Jun 8, 2016 15:10:21 GMT CBP1 said:

And you can rely on the hardcore Potter fans to shut down anyone (including the press) who tries to defy JK herself and spoil it for others. It may still be hard for the critics to go to town on it once it opens, especially if nothing has leaked throughout previews. Reviews will have to be pretty generic or risk the wrath of fans. Which is fine for a glowing review. But if reviews are negative, they'll struggle to back up what they're saying without being accused of spoiling something for the army of fans who are waiting patiently to see it.

I've just talked myself into concluding that it's a brilliant marketing ploy.

Baz has already been flamed for revealing various bits (haven't actually read what they are in fear of actual spoilers). It's on twitter for those curious. 

[Deleted]

I muted Baz very quickly last night, he was definitely saying more than I was happy with. Guess I'll just be waiting until Friday mornings for his theatre news now, rather than waiting up on a Thursday night for it to filter through Twitter.

[Jon]

It'll be interesting if Cursed Child has any effect on Fantastic Beasts which comes out in November. While the Harry Potter hype never really went away, having the eighth story as a play and a spin-off set in the past and exploring somewhere which hasn't been touched on before must be a great for fans and I imagine it'll be easier to get tickets for Fantastic Beasts than it is for this although I do wonder why they are releasing a screenplay book for that as it's not going to sell nearly as well as the Cursed Child script

[kathryn]

Jun 8, 2016 14:52:40 GMT @baemax said:

You can make (not too complicated) revisions up until fairly late in the publishing process, and I believe the Collector's Edition is due to contain production pictures, so it's not *wholly* unfeasible that the Rehearsal Edition could contain updates of things ironed out in early previews. I was just brainstorming possible reasons for the extended preview period, I'm sure I could keep going if I really wanted to.

Speaking as a production editor, we'd really rather people didn't make late revisions!

The production schedule will depend on a million and 1 things, and I do journals rather than books so don't know what the print lead-time normally is, but given the number of books they need to print and the number of places they need to ship them to it would not surprise me if it's going to press in the next week.

[dippy]

Jun 8, 2016 15:35:39 GMT @kevinuk said:

As someone who used to queue at midnight to buy the books, this whole 'keep the secrets' thing is a way to help fans discover the story for themselves - if you are a Harry fan, you don't want to learn second hand what happens next.

Having seen the show, I truly believe all Harry fans should see this rather than buying the script. The script will not pack the same punch and I fear that once the play is officially opened and the script published, the atmosphere we had last night discovering everything new will be lost forever.

No, as a Harry fan you really want to discover it all on your own (well ok, my sister and I read Order of the Phoenix simultaneously sharing the one book) and not get told what's going to happen by someone else. I know I've posted in the spoiler thread but that's more for wanting to talk about it since I'm not telling my friends anything about the plot. However had I not been there last night I'm not sure I would have been able to wait to find out what happens.

I agree, there was something quite magical about a theatre full of people really invested in the story learning new things together. I'm guessing it's the first time there have ever been that many people learning so many completely new things about the Potter world together in what is essentially one very large room. Hearing the ooohs and aahhhs as we discovered new things was something I really enjoyed (I was a little less fond of the clapping). As you say once people have either caved and read spoilers or read the script once it's released it will be different since a larger part of the audience will know what's coming than we had last night.

[theatremad]

Ok so I cant make it to Part 2 tomorrow. If anyone is midlands area and can get to Warwick to pick the ticket up you are welcome to it.

[CBP1]

I should add that my last post was predominantly written by my cynical side.

I also bought the books at midnight and read them the same day to avoid spoilers. I will throttle anyone who tells me what happens before Saturday!

Likewise, the commercial lawyer in me appreciated the Harry Potter world in Orlando as a fabulous money-spinner. The rest of me thought it was magical.

[dippy]

Jun 8, 2016 16:43:45 GMT theatremad said:

Ok so I cant make it to Part 2 tomorrow. If anyone is midlands area and can get to Warwick to pick the ticket up you are welcome to it.

So sorry you aren't able to make it after all. No post office still open? I'm sure my friend would love it but I'm not coming to get it.

Edit: oops, it's later in the day than I thought.

[theatremad]

Jun 8, 2016 16:57:08 GMT dippy said:

Jun 8, 2016 16:43:45 GMT theatremad said:

Ok so I cant make it to Part 2 tomorrow. If anyone is midlands area and can get to Warwick to pick the ticket up you are welcome to it.

So sorry you aren't able to make it after all. No post office still open? I'm sure my friend would love it but I'm not coming to get it.

Edit: oops, it's later in the day than I thought.

Gutted but think I have someone who can take it. Such an amazing show

[dippy]

Jun 8, 2016 17:12:25 GMT theatremad said:

Jun 8, 2016 16:57:08 GMT dippy said:

So sorry you aren't able to make it after all. No post office still open? I'm sure my friend would love it but I'm not coming to get it.

Edit: oops, it's later in the day than I thought.

Gutted but think I have someone who can take it. Such an amazing show.

So glad you probably have someone, hope they are ready to jump into the middle of the story with hopefully some explanation from you. Shame you won't get to see part 2 till September now, hope the wait doesn't feel like forever.

[theatremad]

If I dont give them a descr and they are lost say hi. Will try and remember to mention. Shouldnt be too bad, but am also looking for tickets for other perfs

[dippy]

Jun 8, 2016 17:17:36 GMT theatremad said:

If I dont give them a descr and they are lost say hi. Will try and remember to mention. Shouldnt be too bad, but am also looking for tickets for other perfs

Will do if I see a lost looking person in your seat. Good luck with getting tickets again for before September, you managed the day before yesterday so hopefully you succeed again.

[alison]

So, thanks to theatremad I'm off to part two tomorrow. SO excited - this was going to be the first new Potter I hadn't had in my grubby little hands as soon as it was available.

Hopefully I won't be looking too lost - the Palace and I are old friends. Now to go haunt the spoiler thread to find out what I missed.

[Jon]

Jun 8, 2016 16:48:16 GMT CBP1 said:

I should add that my last post was predominantly written by my cynical side.

I also bought the books at midnight and read them the same day to avoid spoilers. I will throttle anyone who tells me what happens before Saturday!

Likewise, the commercial lawyer in me appreciated the Harry Potter world in Orlando as a fabulous money-spinner. The rest of me thought it was magical.

The fact that Warner Bros has set a Harry Potter Global Franchise Development Group makes me think the brand is likely to remain a money spinner for a very long time

[theatremad]

Jun 8, 2016 18:11:11 GMT alison said:

So, thanks to theatremad I'm off to part two tomorrow. SO excited - this was going to be the first new Potter I hadn't had in my grubby little hands as soon as it was available.

Hopefully I won't be looking too lost - the Palace and I are old friends. Now to go haunt the spoiler thread to find out what I missed.

My pleasure. Pleased I could give it to someone so they could enjoy. You have my number if any problems. Enjoy, and say hi to 'dippy' from me

[charliec]

feeling fairly confident about being able to stay spoiler free for the next week until the 16th/17th performance.. So excited to see it.

[fhaps]

Jun 9, 2016 12:16:40 GMT charliec said:

feeling fairly confident about being able to stay spoiler free for the next week until the 16th/17th performance.. So excited to see it.

I'm surprised how little has leaked into the media, I'm glad to see people actually "keeping the secrets". I mean, there are places where to find the spoilers if you go looking for them, but it's been actually pretty easy to avoid them too. I hope I can remain unspoiled until July 27th...