Review: POTTED POTTER – THE UNAUTHORIZED HARRY EXPERIENCE A PARODY BY DAN AND JEFF Condenses JK Rowling's Famous Series Into An Utterly Amusing 70 Minutes Of Theatre

Wednesday 19th September 2018, 7:30pm Everest Theatre Seymour Centre

POTTED POTTER - THE UNAUTHORISED HARRY EXPERIENCE A PARODY BY DAN AND JEFF returns to Sydney to present a clever, creative comedy experience for Harry Potter fans of all ages. Scott Hoatson (performer) joins Daniel Clarkson (Writer and creator) for the latest Australian tour co-creator and writer Jefferson Turner leads another tour in the northern hemisphere.

First devised by Clarkson and Turner in 2005 as a five minute show to entertain fans ahead of the release of HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE, this summary of JK Rowling's famous series of has expanded into a 70 minute stage show that has enjoyed multiple tours around the world in the intervening 13 years. Developed as primarily a children's show, POTTED POTTER is a multilayered work that understands that the Wizarding world has a wide ranging fanbase and therefore contains material that will entertain all ages at once.

The premise is that Scott is an ultimate Harry Potter nerd with an intimate knowledge of the books whilst his friend Dan isn't necessarily as well acquainted with the Boy Who Lived's stories. With a set drawn from pantomime stylings that indicate that Dan, left with the set and props budget, isn't quite competent at anything, the two present a concentrated, or potted, dramatization of the 7 books. Scott primarily presents the protagonist whilst Dan delivers all the other pertinent characters with an array of wigs, costumes and amusing voices. There are some wonderfully insightful expressions of characters and events presented in a fast paced production that is a blend of scripted and planned work and improvisation, interaction and reaction to the audience along with moments where they more actively engage the audience with a game of Quidditch.

The work has an easygoing and loose feel whilst ensuring that Scott and Dan aren't talking down to children. They utilize a range of comic devices, from shelving ideas so they can be repeated later to ensuring the physical comedy has a spontaneity about it so the audience is never quite sure whether it is planned or accidental. The comedy includes some fabulous references to current affairs and other popular culture, and some not so current culture that proved a delight to the audience that did get the references, ensuring that all based are covered.

POTTED POTTER will have you laughing till you cry at the skill and stupidity of the show. A brilliant piece of fun for any Harry Potter fan of any age.

http://www.pottedpotter.com.au/