Jack Thorne

John Tiffany

J. K. Rowling

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later. Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, a play by Jack Thorne. It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son, Albus, must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: Sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. The playscript for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was originally released as a "special rehearsal edition" alongside the opening of Jack Thorne's play in London's West End in summer 2016. Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, the play opened to rapturous reviews from theatergoers and critics alike, while the official playscript became an immediate global bestseller. This revised edition updates the "special rehearsal edition" with the conclusive and final dialogue from the play, which has subtly changed since its rehearsals, as well as a conversation piece between director John Tiffany and writer Jack Thorne, who share stories and insights about reading playscripts. This edition also includes useful background information including the Potter family tree and a timeline of events from the wizarding world prior to the beginning of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Parts One and Two Playscript

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London's West End on 30th July 2016. It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

The Official Script Book of the Original West End Production

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts I & II (Special Rehearsal Edition)

Pia 

Omg Harry I never liked you more than right now

HARRY: Go. Leave. I don't want you here, I don't need you. You were absent every time it really counted. I fought him three times without you. I'll face him again, if needs be alone.

JAMES IS STILL ALIVE!!!I REPEAT HE IS ALOVE BREATHING LOVING HIS LIFE!!!!!

She takes out her wand. She points it at ALBUS, who sticks his chin out. ALBUS: Do your worst.

DELPHI looks at him. And then she turns her wand on SCORPIUS.

HERMIONE (melting slightly): You want to marry me again?

DELPHI looks at it and then at them both.

Scorpius is literally the only good thing in this book. (And James but he is not really there now is he)

SCORPIUS: No, it’s time that time-turning became a thing of the past.

ALBUS: You’re quite proud of that phrase, aren’t you?

ALBUS: What? We failed. SCORPIUS: Yes. YES. AND IT'S AMAZING.

RON: What? SCORPIUS: What? RON: Can we talk about the love thing first?

That fucking bitch does not deserve to live 

You and Harry are a disgrace to the potter blood line

ALBUS: Well, I wasn't a loser before I met you.

SCORPIUS is left looking up afler him. Heartbroken.

And that’s how you have a toxic realtionship with your son

HARRY: I thought for a long time I wasn't a good enough dad for vou because you didn't like me. It's only now I realize that I don't ned you to like me, I need you to obey me because I'm your dad andI do know better. I'm sorry, Albus. It has to be this way.

SCORPIUS appears at the back of the stage. He looks at his friend talking to a girl- and part of him likes it and part of him doesn't.

SCORPIUS: Only just begun and it's almost halfkilled us. Good. This is going to be good.

AMOS: This is going to be dangerous. ALBUS: We know. SCORPIUS: Do we?

The TROLLEY WITCHS hands transfigure into very sharp spikes. She smiles.

SCORPIUS: Okay, whatever was holding your brain together seems to have snapped.

Well harry sorry to break it to you but James would have been a better dad than you and not him seeing “red” bitch pls

HARRY (finaly losing his temper): You know what? Im done with being made responsible for your unhappiness. At least you've got a dad. Because I didn't, okay? ALBUS: And you think that was unlucky? I don't. HARRY: You wish me dead? ALBUS: No! I just wish you weren't my dad. HARRY (eing red): Well, there are times I wish you weren't my son. There's a silence. ALBUS nods. Pause. HARRY realizes what he's said. No, I didn't mean that.. ALBUS: Yes. You did. HARRY: Albus, you just know how to get under my skin.. •• ALBUS: You meant it, Dad. And, honestly, I don't blame

Ahh great so James loves his hair and lily loves potion just like the people they were named after. Jk really does not have original ideas anymore

Pls it’s James (not my James) you can’t expect him to ever not care about his hair! Also not him having the cloak this makes me so happy

GINNY: James, please, ignore your hair, and tidy that damn room. ... JAMES: How can I ignore it? It's pink! Im going to have to use my Invisibility Cloak!

ALBUS: But I don't need a Ron and Hermione. I'veI've got a friend, Scorpius, and I know you don't like him but he's all I need.

As they should expect for James he is right where he should be

The official playscript of the original West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. The playscript for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was originally released as a 'special rehearsal edition' alongside the opening of Jack Thorne's play in London's West End in summer 2016. Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne, the play opened to rapturous reviews from theatregoers and critics alike, while the official playscript became an immediate global bestseller. This revised paperback edition updates the 'special rehearsal edition' with the conclusive and final dialogue from the play, which has subtly changed since its rehearsals, as well as a conversation piece between director John Tiffany and writer Jack Thorne, who share stories and insights about reading playscripts. This edition also includes useful background information including the Potter family tree and a timeline of events from the wizarding world prior to the beginning of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

debre

i should have listened to what my friend said to me "don't read this, just ignore it."
oh well.

Alex Mercure

Loved it! Brought my old characters back to life as well as new characters

Cindy McKee

Surprisingly emotional. You can see Rowling's hand in the story, and characters felt true to form. This stands up to being labeled the 8th story. It was wonderful to revisit characters you know and love, and heartening to see the struggles of adulthood in ways that feel true. A wonderful addition to the fantastic world of J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two: The Official Playscript of the Original West End Production

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later. Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, a new play by Jack Thorne, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London's West End on July 30, 2016. It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. This Special Rehearsal Edition will be available to purchase until early 2017, after which a Definitive Edition of the script will go on sale.

The Official Script Book of the Original West End Production Special Rehearsal Edition

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two

Lara Engle

I bet this is an exciting play to watch. I bet the costumes and especially the effects are really cool. But ... I think the story is only average. It's sweet and it has moments of genuine pathos, but it in no way reaches the depth and excitement of the original series. The characters sometimes seem like caricatures of themselves, especially Ron. I mean, it's quippy and funny, but a little too self-referential and a little dismissive of the depth of characterization we already have for these people. I'm glad I read it. It has a nice message. Just don't expect anything like the original series.

Wilde

I've read fan fiction that's more faithful to the characters but still enjoyed this for what it was.

Tish

I’m surprised so many people didn’t enjoy this. Was it necessary? No, not really, but it was fun and a good look at what the future is like for our favorite characters. Book 7 ended at a really good place, and I was kind of apprehensive about this, which is probably why it took me so many years to finally read this one. The story surprised me though, and I like that it’s more focused on personal stuff and the relationship between Harry and Albus rather than magic. Anyway, this is my first screenplay script I’ve ever read and it’s making me want to go read the fantastic beasts scripts as well.

Jian Ayromloo

maride

Sorry for me harry potter ALWAYS will have  5 star

Modith D.

Many Harry Potter fans will agree that it was just not at the same level as the rest of the series though it did bring new life to the series it just didn't have the same level of magic that was enchanted into the rest. Maybe it was the fact that it was written as a play instead of a novel or that there just was not enough Harry to my liking I'm not sure but don't get me wrong it was great in some aspects like how we got to see Harry in a more mature role and how Hermione would have been without Ron to take her down a few notches (how rose acts).Though there are a few mysteries that need solving like how is snape alive? he was killed because Voldemort thought he was the owner of the elder wand so where does Neville come in? and the other problem ... a daughter? How is that possible? I mean was Bellatrix torturing Hermione while pregnant?I'm sure some one would have pointed mentioned that in the seventh book it just doesn't make sense oh well some things are best left in the dark but overall a great book just short of Harry Potter standard that I was used to

Colleen

1 Star

What a load of rubbish!

To try to minimize the ranting, I am going to organize this review in a list. I am sure that by now all of these points have been debated by many other people. But I'm behind the game since I procrastinated reading this for so long. And I need to write this rubbish out of my brain. And yes, there will be spoilers. So let's get started on this review of Harry Potter and the Whiny Emo Twerp.

1) This is a play
Reading plays seemed cool in high school and college. It's not. It's mostly just pretentious. Plays are meant to be watched not read. And I realized last year when I read The Importance of Being Earnest that no matter how good a play is, I just do not enjoy reading them anymore. Plays do not allow the same imaginative exploration that novels do. Since this particular play is a parasitic lump cleaving to a very detailed and in-depth series of books, the contrasts are blindingly obvious. A play has to be mainly dialogue. You cannot world build. You cannot describe. You cannot explore the nuances of the characters. Now if you are seeing a play performed, some of those shortcomings are overcome by the nuances of the performance. But reading a play is like looking at a paint-by-numbers that has not been filled in yet.

2) This is not actually written by J.K. Rowling
If you pay attention, you will notice that this play is based on J.K. Rowling's works; she did not actually write this play. And that fact is abundantly clear while reading it. It is not just the format that cuts the story off at the knees; this story has none of Rowling's spark. Her extraordinary attention to detail, intricate plots, complex characters, and crafty references to classic literature are blatantly absent. 

3) This is not really Harry Potter Number Eight
The play mostly focuses on Harry's younger son. Since it is not really about Harry Potter, is not written by the same author, and is in a completely different format, how can it possibly be considered part of the series. There also was not point in this play existing.

4) This does not truly continue the world of Harry Potter, nor does it stay true to it
This is bad fan fiction in play format. Why bother having flashbacks to actual scenes from the books only to change what was written? I've already mentioned that it does not live up to Rowling's talents. The writing overall was stunted and messy. 

5) The beginning is chaotic and repelling
The first act is definitely the worst. It jumps around pell-mell and skips large amounts of time thus killing any chance to get to know the characters organically. The only way to feel attached to these characters (or more specifically the bastardized versions of the previous characters and the addition of one of the most annoying little snotheads I have ever read) is by clinging desperately to leftover nostalgic emotions. Indeed, only the strongest nostalgia could allow any reader to enjoy a play clutching its claws into the coattails of the real books. This play could never stand on its own because it completely lacks structure, pacing, plot, and character development.

6) The character development is shabby at best
Speaking of character development, the play assumes the audience is familiar with all of the original characters and therefore does not spend any time explaining them or developing them. This is the main reason that this play would never have made it to production without leaning so heavily on the emotions of those who love the book series. Albus is sort of the main character, and he is an annoying, whiny prat. There are some half-hearted, pitiful attempts at maturing the characters, but the results were laughably bad. Mostly, the play just forcefully crammed in a Hail Mary at the end in a happy-go-lucky, let's-all-live-happily-and-delusionally-ever-after sort of way.

7) The plot is laughably obvious
Really? Did anyone not see that coming? There were also massive plot holes and a lot of things rushed over and left unexplained. It helped that the last act was more focused. There were admittedly a couple of moments that showed a glimmer of promise but eventually failed to improve the overall story. But the ending was abrupt and extremely cheesy.

8) It's full of awkward homoerotic hints
It does not just resemble poorly written fan fiction. Oh no! It even more so resembles poorly written slash fiction. I know there is a ton of Harry Potter slash fiction out there, but that isn't my thing. Regardless, I do not want to read about sexual tension in fourteen-(and under)-year-olds in any way, shape, or form. (view spoiler)[But then at the end they both suddenly like girls so....? It was poorly done either way. (hide spoiler)]

9) J.K. Rowling cannot let her world go
I get it. You wrote one of the best books series ever. You created one of the most wonderful fictional worlds. You genuinely love that world and those characters. But you are ruining them by not letting them rest in peace! LET THEM BE! Stop squeezing in more bits. You are doing a disservice to your work. You swore you would not publish another Harry Potter book, but you got around it by making this a play. After the play, you said you were done with Harry for real this time. But a mere seventeen days after Harry Potter and the Narcissistic Little Shithead was released, you already promised at least three more short stories. Oh, but they are not actually about Harry; rather they are about other characters from the series. Then there are the upcoming movies as well... J.K. Rowling is slowly ruining her franchise and the people behind her are more than happy to rake in the billions while she does. It is sad that she does not see that and that she cannot step back from this series.

In summation, I will admit that there were a couple of good ideas within the story. But the whole thing was handled so poorly. Perhaps if it had been done as a novel thus allowing for better character development and story building then it might have had the potential to be something good. Perhaps if the authorship had not changed hands. Perhaps if it was not being bankrolled by people with dollar signs in their eyes. But no. It was a terrible waste of time to read this play, and I deeply regret that I did.
 
Maybe this play is better when scene performed so that the stilted characters have at least a chance at their emotions being fleshed out. But Reading this?? Well, it was torture. Only the most resolute fans will truly enjoy this. And more power to them. (Although, I have to add that those are the ones who would still give a VCR manual five stars as long as it had "Harry Potter" and "J.K. Rowling" on the front cover. For the rest of the Harry Potter fans: don't bother. And if you did not like the Harry Potter books or have never read them, then there is no point in reading this play.

RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 2 Stars
Writing Style: 1 Star
Characters and Character Development: 1 Star
Plot Structure and Development: 1 Star
Level of Captivation: 1 Star
Originality: 1 Star

Audrey Lord

I can understand where people are coming from when they say that it feels like a Fan-Fiction but at this point how can it not? It's been a long time since a book was written and in that time we have had so many thoughts and ideas about what Harry Potter and his family has been up to. 
I don't mean to sound like I loved it any less because of how it felt because I did love it. It was beautiful and did the series justice. The way Rowling tried to make up for Dumbledore was exactly what I wanted for this series. The way the story finished off with Dumbledore didn't really make anyone feel great about him as person.
I would love to see the play itself just to see it acted out.

Kelsey Joëlle

liked it, not really bothered by the screen play aspect.

Arjo Gupto

The reason for who I am and what I do. The answer to how I do the things I like to do. It's magic! Thank Ms Rowling and Mr Thorne to taking me back home, to the beginning of all things, once again.

AStoriedSoul

** spoiler alert **
           ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

️Finished! This book was amazing on so many levels and in so many ways! I couldn't have hoped for a better story and it was worth the wait! A lot happened between characters that I was hoping for, and everyone has grown and developed so much. I particularly love Draco and Scorpius! 

I will write an actual review once everyone has had a chance to read the book so I won't risk spoilers. 

Stay tuned!

Vilandra

I thought this was slow starting but then got me back into the world. I liked the new characters and how in the end everyone overcame their differences and changed for the better. It was nice to read something uplifting for a change.

This is literally such a disgrace for the Harry Potter books! Scorpius is the only good thing in this book. 

Lacy W

** spoiler alert **
           **** Do not read this review if you haven't read this book yet or don't care about spoilers. ****

Okay. Let me compose my thoughts here for an eloquent review of this book. Because right now, I am feeling all sorts of feelings and I can't tell if they are good, bad, or whatever. I literally just have so much going on in my head right now. 

Let me start off by saying I am a huge Potterhead. Like for real. My obsession knows no bounds. I relate everything in my life to Harry Potter. I play Pokemon Go and I picked Mystic simply because it reminded me of Ravenclaw (which is my house). Yeah, I'm  that  obsessed. 

Honesty time. I gave this book 5 stars simply because it's Harry freakin' Potter. Giving it anything less would be a crime, in my eyes. I debated about giving it 4 stars but I knew it my heart of hearts, I just couldn't do it. I mean come on, it's Harry Potter man! 

Anyway. Let me get onto the review before you all have to read about my ridiculous fandom.

I went into this book with good and bad reviews in mind. I know that I probably shouldn't have done that but whatever. I wanted to know what I was getting myself into. To be honest, I liked the story. I did. I loved that I had another Harry Potter book to love and treasure and talk incessantly about (much to the delight of my friends and family). 

But there were some MASSIVE plot holes that I couldn't get over. Like the whole Time Turner business I mean, what was that about? Is Voldemort really capable of having a kid? Because he was conceived under love potion, I have no idea what it does to a person physically. Plus when did he have this kid? I mean if Bellatrix was the mother, wouldn't Draco have noticed a baby around or something?? She had the kid in Malfoy Manor. Pretty sure Draco would have noticed a baby around the house. 

Another thing that really bothered me was Albus. OMG. Albus was such a brat. I really felt for him at first. I mean, I'm sure it's a lot being the child of Harry Potter. I felt sad for him. But then, in like his third year, he started acting like such a damn brat.  Oh, I'm the child of Harry Potter. Feel sorry for me.  I just wanted to smack the crap out of him. Harry was doing the best he could. UGH! And BTW Albus, SLYTHERIN IS NOT A BAD HOUSE!

The shining light for me was Scorpius. I was worried that he would have turned out like his dad, Draco. But no. He was so kind and thoughtful even though the kids were sooooo very mean to him. The rumor that he was Voldemort's child is absolutely ridiculous. He is such a kind boy who only wants a friend. That's all. Ugh. So many feels. 

As for the actual plot itself, it wasn't bad. It's just that Rowling basically left the door open for so many different things to happen. But  the writers should have read the first seven books.  I felt like they just did what they wanted and made things happen that didn't seem logically possible or they gave no story as to why they are doing what they are doing. Like for example, Hermione is Minister OF Magic (the book kept saying for. Why????). Last I checked, Kingsley Shacklebolt was. How did Hermione become Minister? 

Also  WHERE IS LUNA AND NEVILLE?!

I also felt like the writers just glossed over Albus and Scorpius' Hogwarts days. I didn't like that. I want details. What classes did they chose in their third year? Is Professor Binns still teaching? Maybe if this book had been a novel instead of a play, we would have gotten those details. 

Alright, I feel like I am rambling. I'll cut it off now before I get more out of control. Basically, I liked the book. I kept reading until the very end because I wanted to see how it ended. But the actual basis of the book and some of characters put me off. Also I felt like the writers of the play paid no heed to Rowling's story. If you are going to do something like this,  YOU HAVE TO READ THE ACTUAL STORIES FIRST!  In conclusion, I liked it but it could have been better than what it was.

Looks like something you would read on Wattpad

Eva Marquant

Anum Memon

This book was a disgrace to the Harry Potter world and to everyone in general. Also very problematic author.

 🩰

If I could rate this so-called book 0 stars, I would.

Gillian Rose

Slighty cheated. I saw the play yesterday and it was amazing. Read the play on the flight home.

Seeing it live was an incredible experience and I'm glad I waited to read it until after. It was an interesting follow-up and seeing these beloved characters navigate parenthood was really something.

But for real, Scorpius was the best part.

Prashanth Srivatsa

It begs the question "Why?". It's a play, we all get that. It's not supposed to halt, describe the surroundings and explain people and things. But why should that mean that it should be devoid of substance? It's derivative, aching for the presence of the wit and magic that our childhoods were full of, and has instilled a certain aggression in the characters, which defies their age.

It's not, however, all dark and gloomy. Parts of it feed on your nostalgia; parts of it smell of the Rowling of the Seven, but almost all of it is simply a trip down memory lane, where you expected a banquet feast but ended up with a fast food breakfast.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two Playscript

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