There are very few shows that generate such high levels of anticipation as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but this epic piece of theatre not only meets expectations, it exceeds them, weaving a magical spell that keeps you transfixed for every second of the five-and-a-half hour, two-part play. I admit to being a Harry Potter fan, but as the final curtain approached I simply didn’t want it to end.

So what do you get if you put J.K. Rowling’s phenomenally successful wizarding world on the boards? A series of book by book stage adaptations to follow in the wake of the films? A musical (which some people at last night’s Melbourne opening had been expecting)? Both ideas, among umpteen others, were suggested to Rowling but none got the tick of approval.

The Australian company of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo © Matt Murphy

Instead, in manna from heaven for Potter fans, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tells a brand new story. Written by Jack Thorne, based on an original tale by Rowling herself, Thorne and John Tiffany,...