In Singapore this week from 9 to 14 Sept 2014 |
We love theatre, particularly live theatre and we view it as an integral aspect of the holistic development for our children. However, I must admit that when the wife told me we were going to watch POTTED POTTER, I had my reservations. For a start, a live comedy theatre that parodies the dark tales of the world-famous JK Rowling series? All SEVEN books? And with our 6 year-old to boot? (well, they did say the show’s for ‘6 year-olds to Dumbledore, who’s very old’). Nonetheless, I approached the Jubilee Hall with an open mind, with somber-sounding soundtracks of the Harry Potter series playing in my head. But just less than 5 minutes into the show, when my daughter started to break into hilarious laughter, my reservations all but magically disappeared!
This two-man POTTED POTTER show aspires to bring audiences through the entire 7 books of the famed Rowling series in 70 minutes (sans intermission). After watching it, we now know why it has wowed audiences and packed theatres in Broadway and the West End.
Ben and James – the stars of POTTED POTTER! |
The highly energetic duo of Ben Stratton and James Percy had us peel our eyes on their highly engaging and witty performances. Along with everyone in the hall, we were transfixed at their witty reenactment of the main plots (which I admit, was a very good refresher for all Harry Potter fans!). We were so captivated that we experienced a tinge of bittersweet sad feeling whenever they have ‘completed’ a book and draws it to the end.
The chemistry between the two actors drew a spellbinding blend of flawless comedic timing, puns and slap-sticks delivered in perfect Queen’s English (no less), which certainly kept the audiences laughing throughout the entire 70-minute show, including our 6 year-old who has yet to be acquainted with the world of Hogwarts and Harry Potter!
Adding to my pleasant surprise, apart from a mid-way audience participation Quidditch segment (spoiler alert!), was the fact that I actually clarified some doubts about Harry Potter series from this condensed live version (without all the convoluted plots and CGI distractions in the movies). I find myself understanding the plots much better now. On that note, it does not matter if you’ve never read the books (me neither!) or not watched the movies (or have forgotten them already), this live performance is pitched so well at the general audience that you’ll fit right in as a muggle, laughing and cheering from start to end – a much welcomed distraction that would magically transport you away from the mundanes of the everyday life into the fantasy wizarding world, albeit for only 70 minutes. Dana enjoyed it so much that she declared it was the most funny performances ever and she can’t wait to lay her hands on her first Harry Potter books!
POTTED POTTER runs at the Jubilee Hall Theatre, Raffles Hotel for 1 week only from 9 to 14 September, 2014. For tickets, call Sistic at +65 63485555 or visit SISTIC. Catch it now with your families before it disappears!
Disclaimer: We were invited to the premier of POTTED POTTER for the purposes of this review. All photos credited to Lunchbox Theatrical Productions Singapore.
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