Harry Potter Magic sets new standard for blockbuster plays in Australia

February 28, 2020

Now entering its second year, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has established a new standard for blockbuster plays in Australia, drawing more than 325,000 attendees through the doors of the Princess Theatre.

Opening to rave reviews 12 months ago, the production officially celebrates its first birthday this Sunday, 1st March.

The Victorian Government secured the production for its February 2019 debut, making Melbourne only the third city to welcome the acclaimed play following its premiere in London in 2016 and a season in New York in 2018.

Harry Potter fans have travelled from near and far to enjoy the play in Melbourne with 50% of ticket holders coming from regional Victoria, interstate or one of 42 countries around the world.

For many, the production was also a first theatre experience (51%) and the first time visiting the Princess Theatre (77%). The appeal of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to younger audiences has also been strong with 44% of attendees under the age of 35, introducing the theatre to a new generation.

The Princess Theatre, which was restored ahead of the show’s launch, is the only place in the southern hemisphere where theatregoers can see this lauded production.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley enthused “it’s incredible to see how many new audience members of all ages have fallen under the spell of theatre within just a year – this further shows why Victoria is the creative capital of Australia.”

Major events are big business for Victoria – an independent study in 2018 found that they contributed $2.5 billion to the state’s economy.

The study showed that major events attracted almost 6.9 million international and interstate visitors to Victoria annually, up 24% in two years, with direct jobs supported by major event growing by 10%, to 3,350.

In 2020, visitors to Victoria are spoilt for choice with men’s and women’s ICC T20 World Cup finals at the MCG, the 25th Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the launch of Melbourne’s new winter arts festival and a Bledisloe Cup rugby union clash at Marvel Stadium among standout dates on the calendar.

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula notes “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been working its magic in Victoria for a year and the support for the production from Victorians and visitors has been amazing. People who travel to see the play stay here, they eat and drink here and they take in attractions across the state, creating jobs and keeping businesses strong.”

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is booked at the Princess Theatre until mid-2020. For more information go to harrypottertheplay.com/au.

11th July 2019 - Arts Centre Melbourne ready to host 19th Annual Helpmann Awards

15th January 2015 - Harry Potter pushes Universal Studios Japan towards attendance records

8th September 2014 - Universal Studios Japan’s new Harry Potter attraction draws record visitors in August

18th July 2014 - Universal Studios Japan unveils Wizarding World of Harry Potter

23rd February 2020 - Newcastle celebrates 90th anniversary of its Civic Theatre

21st February 2020 - End of an era as demolition of Melbourne’s Palace Theatre commences

23rd January 2020 - Newcastle’s Civic Playhouse offers trial season of cinema and theatre

18th January 2020 - Wellington’s St James Theatre set to be ready for 2022 New Zealand Festival

24th December 2019 - Melbourne Theatre Company renews MPavilion partnership for summer program

23rd December 2019 - Marriner Group unveils refurbishment of Melbourne’s historic Regent Theatre

16th December 2019 - Sydney’s State Theatre unveils restored organ to celebrate 90th Anniversary

12th December 2019 - Western Sydney’s new Coliseum Theatre reveals partnerships and technologies

12th December 2019 - New partnership aligns Perth Theatre Trust and Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

27th November 2019 - NSW Government opens tender process for new Sydney Theatre Royal operator

21st November 2019 - Rebuilding of La Mama Theatre commences

4th November 2019 - New Zealand Government provides $12 million for new theatre in Waikato

24th October 2019 - Griffith Regional theatre set to be renovated

22nd October 2019 - Townsville’s Civic Theatre reopens after flood damage repair

3rd October 2019 - Brisbane’s newest theatre draws back the curtains for Open House 2019

2nd October 2019 - Christchurch Council advances plans for Court Theatre

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