It is with utter disbelief that we are sitting here writing a review of the London Cursed Child 4th Years - it feels like the play opened, we blinked, and here we are! We are so so fortunate to have been able to witness all the London casts to date, and we love that with each new year comes new interpretations of characters, new little quirks to look out for, and indeed, a new sense of excitement to the play. Year Four are no different, offering wonderful performances and great portrayals all round.
We're so glad that so many of the principal cast decided to stay on for another year, including Susie Trayling as Ginny Potter and Jamie Ballard as the infamous Harry Potter. Jamie's portrayal of Harry is so, so close to the Harry we see in the original book series; serious when needed, but still silly and loving - something we really adore about his performance. Susie portrays Ginny in much the same way, working wonderfully with Jamie's Harry, whist also bringing a sense of softness and calm to her character, perfectly maturing Ginny who is one of our favourite characters.
Tom Aldridge is always on form. He's funny and a little bit silly and exactly as we'd imagine Ron as an adult. Tom perfectly captures the adult Ron. His Ron is still loyal, caring and big-hearted, but has now shed all of his insecurities and self-doubt and really grown into his skin and fits perfectly into his role in the world. He's completely relaxed and comfortable with his lot. Exactly what we'd want for Ron.
Jonathan Case and James Howard are such a strong Malfoy team that continue to get better by every performance. They both give such layered, nuanced performances that work incredibly well together, allowing the audience to witness the beautiful journey of their relationship in such a deep and emotional way. Jonathan's Scorpius is just the right amount of excitable and serious, culminating in a performance that is clearly very deeply thought out and marvellously executed. He brings such warmth and sincerity to Draco.
Dominic Short's Albus is really quite charming. He's awkward and uptight around his family but completely comes to life when he's around Jonathan's Scorpius. He's quite expressive in his actions, smiley and you really get the feel that many of his habits and quirks have been modelled on his dad's. All in all, it felt like such a thoughtful and considered performance.
Rayxia Ojo captures Rose Granger-Weasley superbly. She's forthright, yet lovable, both proud and loyal. Rayxia plays a very sincere Rose, one who clearly cares deeply for Albus while still being wary of Scorpius and keen to keep him at an arm's length. We also really loved seeing her version of young Hermione, it's not like other interpretations we've seen before. #TeamRGW
Portraying Delphi is a difficult task, but Madeleine Walker rose to it exceptionally well. There is a point in the play where Delphi's true nature is made known and her personality and manner completely change. She quickly becomes erratic and intense, and Madeleine's Delphi felt controlled and disciplined and entirely psychopathic. Real Villanelle vibes. It's this change that we sort of rate all Delphis against - and we loved Madeleine's portrayal. Before the big reveal, her Delphi was lovely and naturalistic, making her both believable and loveable in ways we haven't felt before.
Michelle Gayle plays a very warm Hermione. She's stern when necessary, but her kind heart and quick-wittedness is always on display. Comparisons can be made to Rose and how Hermione is clearly her daughter's main inspiration in terms of her attitude and personality. It was really rather lovely to see.
We really can't wait to see the show again. As always, when you see a cast so early on in their run as the characters, it's exciting to think how their portrayals might change and develop throughout their time, and we can't wait to witness it. This cast really are fantastic, and if you can get to see them, we would highly recommend it!
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| Platform 9 3/4 London, Fourth Cast |
We're so glad that so many of the principal cast decided to stay on for another year, including Susie Trayling as Ginny Potter and Jamie Ballard as the infamous Harry Potter. Jamie's portrayal of Harry is so, so close to the Harry we see in the original book series; serious when needed, but still silly and loving - something we really adore about his performance. Susie portrays Ginny in much the same way, working wonderfully with Jamie's Harry, whist also bringing a sense of softness and calm to her character, perfectly maturing Ginny who is one of our favourite characters.
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| Polyjuice Michelle Gayle, Jamie Ballard and Tom Aldridge |
Tom Aldridge is always on form. He's funny and a little bit silly and exactly as we'd imagine Ron as an adult. Tom perfectly captures the adult Ron. His Ron is still loyal, caring and big-hearted, but has now shed all of his insecurities and self-doubt and really grown into his skin and fits perfectly into his role in the world. He's completely relaxed and comfortable with his lot. Exactly what we'd want for Ron.
Jonathan Case and James Howard are such a strong Malfoy team that continue to get better by every performance. They both give such layered, nuanced performances that work incredibly well together, allowing the audience to witness the beautiful journey of their relationship in such a deep and emotional way. Jonathan's Scorpius is just the right amount of excitable and serious, culminating in a performance that is clearly very deeply thought out and marvellously executed. He brings such warmth and sincerity to Draco.
Dominic Short's Albus is really quite charming. He's awkward and uptight around his family but completely comes to life when he's around Jonathan's Scorpius. He's quite expressive in his actions, smiley and you really get the feel that many of his habits and quirks have been modelled on his dad's. All in all, it felt like such a thoughtful and considered performance.
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| The New Trio Jonathan Case, Rayxia Ojo and Dominic Short |
Rayxia Ojo captures Rose Granger-Weasley superbly. She's forthright, yet lovable, both proud and loyal. Rayxia plays a very sincere Rose, one who clearly cares deeply for Albus while still being wary of Scorpius and keen to keep him at an arm's length. We also really loved seeing her version of young Hermione, it's not like other interpretations we've seen before. #TeamRGW
Portraying Delphi is a difficult task, but Madeleine Walker rose to it exceptionally well. There is a point in the play where Delphi's true nature is made known and her personality and manner completely change. She quickly becomes erratic and intense, and Madeleine's Delphi felt controlled and disciplined and entirely psychopathic. Real Villanelle vibes. It's this change that we sort of rate all Delphis against - and we loved Madeleine's portrayal. Before the big reveal, her Delphi was lovely and naturalistic, making her both believable and loveable in ways we haven't felt before.
 |
| Minister for Magic - Hermione Granger Michelle Gayle |
We really can't wait to see the show again. As always, when you see a cast so early on in their run as the characters, it's exciting to think how their portrayals might change and develop throughout their time, and we can't wait to witness it. This cast really are fantastic, and if you can get to see them, we would highly recommend it!
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