The Olivier-nominated UK parody production Potted Potter, an abridged version of the seven books on the teenage wizard by J K Rowling, is set to bring the house down in Dubai this September.
The touring show, which has played in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, was created by the writers Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, who also act in the 70-minute spoof. It will be staged from September 17 to 21 at Ductac, Mall of the Emirates.
The creators Daniel "Dan" Clarkson and Jefferson "Jeff" Turner, who have worked as presenters on the BBC's children's network CBBC, first developed the show in 2005 as a five-minute street sketch that summarised the first five titles in the Harry Potter series for excited fans who had queued up outside bookshops to get their hands on copies of the sixth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
The short play was a roaring success, leading them to develop a full-length show which has shown at London’s West End and enjoyed 30 weeks off-Broadway.
The condensed version of the saga has all the key characters from the books. It features a fire-breathing dragon and, at one point, the actors break into song and dance.
Taking into consideration that the series is one of the most popular in the world (the books have sold more than 450 million copies) and continues to remain an obsession with children and teenagers, the creators have skimmed the tale down and infused it with family-friendly humour.
Jeff plays Potter in the parody, while Dan plays multiple characters and appears muddled on stage, frequently losing the plot and confusing it with C S Lewis's Narnia tales and J R R Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings epics.
The duo have created other successful shows, such as Potted Panto and Potted Pirates. Also coming up is Potted Sherlock, which will have its UK premiere in August.
Potted Potter is at Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, from September 17 to 21. Tickets cost from Dh150. Email box.office@ductac.org
aahmed@thenational.ae
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The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
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