Three of the four actors taking on the Granger-Weasley family roles - Paul Thornley, Noma Dumzeweni, and Cherrelle Skeete - talked recently about some of the aspects of their famous characters, Ron, Hermione and Rose, and bringing them to life for
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child's two-part stage production in London.
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‘It’s 19 years later when the play begins,’ Paul explained. ‘Ron is married to Hermione Granger and they’re now the Granger-Weasleys. Our magnificent daughter Rose Granger-Weasley is about to start at Hogwarts, which is obviously a big day for everyone.’
‘We had to make it look as though he doesn’t really care what he wears in the morning,’ Paul Thornley said.
‘We wanted to find a jumper, that is definitely his favourite jumper, and that I think gets washed occasionally. He wants to essentially be comfortable at all times, hence comfortable cords, comfortable jumper, comfortable shoes. I don’t believe he’s a man who spends an awful lot of time shopping.’
‘The technical rehearsal is where you put all the components together,’ Paul said. ‘All the lights, the sound, the magic – which I’m not going to tell you about – the illusions – which I’m not going to tell you about – and the costumes, and for us to find our places on the stage. We also try to all fit backstage and get the various scenery on and off without bumping into each other, which is sometimes successful.’
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Olivier Award-winner Noma was understandably thrilled with her makeover. She looks formidable in deep blue and brandishing Hermione’s wand.
‘Being in full costume for the first time was stunning, because I went, “Ahhh there you are”,’ she reminisced fondly.
‘Every time I’m in the auditorium I turn around to people or say to myself, “I’m in that show, I’m in that show.” I want to see it so much. I am so proud that I am in it.’
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‘I can’t think about how big it is or I’ll just faint,’ Cherrelle said. ‘Putting on my uniform, ready to go to Hogwarts, and seeing everyone else in their uniform was exciting. I’ve been looking at it every day in the wardrobe department, waiting for the day I can get on the Hogwarts Express.’
‘Rose is ambitious, obviously her mum is Hermione so she’s got a lot to live up to. I think they’re quite similar in the fact they put a lot of pressure on themselves. And she just wants to do the right thing.’
‘It’s just a real joy to watch everyone else’s work and to see all the elements of the show coming together, especially coming into the theatre.’ Cherrelle added. ‘It’s amazing to sit in the stalls and watch and it’s a blessing to know that I’m a part of this team.’
It should definitely be noted that Rose is wearing a sweater with a black and yellow lining, akin to Hufflepuff House. This has not been confirmed yet, of course, though may be likely.
Up on Thursday morning are the last two character reveals for the play, and presumably at this point they are probably Draco and Scorpius Malfoy (already confirmed to be played by Anthony Boyle), as they fit into this week's theme of parents who have children heading to Hogwarts for the first time.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the eighth installment in Harry Potter's saga, will have its world debut on June 7, 2016.
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