The West End has a new star, former Chiswick student Adam Wadsworth

Image above: L-R: James Howard (Draco Malfoy) and Adam Wadsworth (Scorpius Malfoy), photograph by Manuel Harlan

Former Chiswick School student Adam Wadsworth makes his West End debut

‘It’s time to believe in magic again’ says the publicity for the new cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

I do, I do. I loved the books, which came out when my older child was exactly the right age to read them. I loved the films and enjoyed the first iteration of the stage production which sees the sons of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter become unlikely best friends when they meet up on the train to go to Hogwarts.

This production, with the new cast who started last week, is even better.

It is in two parts and, truth be told, I thought when I saw it the first time around it was a tad too long, a little over indulgent. That has not prevented it from being a smash hit, running in London since 2016 and on Broadway since 2018, picking up nine Olivier awards and six Tonys.

Image above: L-R: Sam Crane (Harry Potter), Thomas Grant (Albus Potter) and Frances Grey (Ginny Potter), photograph by Manuel Harlan

Interestingly the productions on Broadway and in Melbourne have been presented as one show, running at three hours and thirty minutes. The London version is still in two parts, but it is tighter, slicker, all the better for a few nips and tucks.

There is a new idea which creeps in at the end, showing the main characters in a different light, which makes perfect sense. The stagecraft and special effects are spectacular.

I thought when I saw it for the first time they were the best thing about the production. It’s hard to compete with Dementors floating ghoulishly out over the audience and some of the magic is, well, magical.

This time I thought the cast gave the effects a run for their money, matching them and even at times outshining them for entertainment value, due in no small part to the performance of Adam Wadsworth, who really lights up the stage in the role of Scorpius Malfoy.

He is full of surprises and hugely energetic, galvanising the action on stage and he gets quite a few laughs. Most of the cast are new to the roles, including Thomas Grant as Albus, who also gives an excellent performance, with a few ‘old timers’ such as James Howard, playing Adam’s stage father Draco, providing a bit of maturity and continuity.

Adam was a student at Chiswick School and Belmont Primary School. Here’s what he thinks of the experience.

L-R: Michelle Gayle (Hermione Granger), Grace Wylde (Rose Granger-Weasley) and Thomas Aldridge (Ron Weasley), photograph by Manuel Harlan

Director’s note (to self) – don’t make whooshing sounds when casting spells

How do you feel about being in the show?

“Amazing is an understatement – For a lot of people in my generation Harry Potter was such an important part of our childhood, so to be a part of that world and that story is an honour.”

What was your first night like?

“Terrifying, exhilarating and an enormous amount of fun. The audience were absolutely wicked, totally on our side from the first scene.”

What did you find most challenging?

“Not making whooshing sounds when casting spells – honestly.”

I believe you had to learn how to do magic tricks. Not all the magic is special effects – some of it is performed by you. How have you found learning how to do magic?

“It was a lot of fun, but also gave me so much more appreciation for how technically difficult it is to do illusions and how masterful professional magicians are. Magic is a serious business.”

It’s also very physical. You do a shoulder stand at one point (apparently effortlessly). What have you had to learn to do this show specifically?

“Learning the basics of how magic and illusion works was pretty wonderful. Then there’s the balancing on top of some well known Hogwarts locations, and knowing how to correctly use your wand.”

How are you enjoying working with the actor who plays Albus and with your stage father Draco?

“Tom (Albus) and James (Draco) are both spectacular actors and kind, funny, people all round. Tom and I share a lot of scenes together and we’re both making our west end debuts – he’s been an absolute rock and I know I’ve made a true friend in him. He’s also the funniest person to share a dressing room with.

“James is the king, I’ve learned so much from him on stage and in the rehearsal room and off stage he’s been the warmest, most lovely bloke you can imagine. Like all the experienced actors on the show he’s welcomed us newbies with so much gusto and humour and kindness.”

This is your first big role. You have been acting since you were a child but despite starring in a TV series while you were still at school you haven’t until now been able to make your living solely as an actor. Have you ever felt you should give up trying to be an actor and do something else, since this is a notoriously difficult career choice?

“It’s certainly crossed my mind. Im lucky in that I’ve got so many great friends and family that support me and believe in me and who’ve been there to make me laugh when times are tough.”

What was it that has made you determined to pursue it?

“Wow. Playing Puck in A Midsummer Nights Dream at Belmont primary? Great drama teachers at Chiswick School (shout out to Miss Maynard!) Just a complete love for it I think. It’s the best job in the world.”

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on at the Palace theatre: uk.harrypottertheplay.com

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See also: Former Chiswick School student to make West End debut

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