Can’t get enough of Potter!

MANILA, Philippines - The long wait is almost over, Potter fans!

The West End and Off-Broadway smash Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience — A Parody by Dan and Jeff will be in Manila by the end of this month. Created by double Olivier Award “Best Entertainment” nominees Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, Potted Potter has cast more than just charm on both die-hard fans and those new to the wonderful world of Harry Potter. 

I had the privilege of interviewing one of the creators, Jeff Turner, in London. He said it all started when Dan and himself were waiting for the sixth installment of the book on Oxford Street in London. While waiting in line for the bookstore to open, they decided to “make fun of Harry Potter in a loving way” and tried to perform a skit condensing the first five books in five minutes (which actually turned into a 15-minute skit). They were asked to perform this at the Edinburgh Festival in 2006, condensing the six books into 60 minutes. They had a two-week sold-out run and Potted Potter has been loved by all since then.

For those who have missed the previous two seasons, Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into 70 minutes, with just two actors performing all the roles. 

I also spoke to Ben Stratton, one of the actors coming to Manila, who said he is really excited to come over since he spoke to the other actors who had performed the show in Manila and they said they were treated like rock stars! Ben said he hopes “the same thing will happen” to him and that he will try to “inject local humor” with this performance.

Jeff also added one interesting piece of trivia:  they always leave one ticket unsold in every performance in case J. K. Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter, shows up.  

Playing at the RCBC Theater from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5,  the show features the new duo of Ben Stratton and James Percy.

(For tickets and inquiries, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph, www.facebook.com/ticketworldinc, www.facebook.com/concertusmanila, www.facebook.com/pottedpottermanila or call TicketWorld at 891-9999.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)