For the show’s Melbourne leg, the old-school charm of the Comedy Theatre proves to be the perfect venue. Brimming with Harry Potter enthusiasts young and old, it really does feel like our first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Our performers, Jesse Briton and Gary Trainor, are giddy with enthusiasm, hyping up the crowd with their energy.
Jesse and Gary are your typical comedy duo: Gary is the straight man, a self-confessed Harry Potter expert who wants to turn the show into an epic theatrical experience, filled with a cast of 25 brilliant actors and a wicked basilisk. Jesse is the affable yet irresponsible one who, much to Gary’s exasperation, confuses Harry Potter with other legendary fantasy novels and spends all the production funds on what he promises to be a majestic Hungarian Horntail dragon. Both actors play their exaggerated personae very well: Jesse is constantly countering Gary’s legitimate criticisms with his funny quips, while Gary keeps Jesse from getting too distracted. Their entertaining banter is superbly executed and their interaction with the audience comes very naturally.
To celebrate The Goblet of Fire and the Quidditch World Cup, a boisterous game of quidditch erupts in the theatre. Every member of the audience is encouraged to participate. Jesse stokes our competitive sides, pitching arch-enemies Slytherin and Gryffindor against each other. Everyone enthusiastically joins in scoring points, cheering for their team and laughing at Jesse’s funny commentary – a fantastic display of audience interaction.
Potted Potter is a delightful experience but do not compare it to other Harry Potter parodies, such as StarKid Productions’ A Very Potter Musical. Potted Potter is more about how Jesse and Gary manage to perform all seven of Rowling’s bestselling books in 70 minutes, rather than about Rowling’s story proper. The re-enactments of each volume, while very funny, are nothing ground-breaking. A lot of their humour caters for the younger audience members – think over-the-top portrayals of your favourite characters in silly wigs and costumes. But that is not to say older audience members won’t guffaw along!
Potted Potter is suitable for Muggles of all ages, but best enjoyed by the under 13s.
Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5
Potted Potter
The Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
Additional dates:
Written and Created by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner
Performed by Jesse Briton and Gary Trainor
Directed by Richard Hurst
16 – 21 October
Brisbane: 6 – 11 November, Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
Adelaide: 13 – 18 November, Her Majesty’s Theatre
