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Entertainment • Theatre

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a stage play set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a stage play set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It follows Harry Potter, now an adult working for the Ministry of Magic, and his son Albus as they deal with family legacy, friendship, and time travel. The play premiered in 2016 and is presented in two parts.

Plot

The play opens with Harry as an overworked Ministry of Magic employee and father of three, while Albus struggles with the burden of his family name. A time-travel plot involving an illegal Time-Turner leads to altered timelines and a confrontation with Delphi, who is tied to Voldemort.

Creation and format

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was created as a theatrical work rather than as a conventional prose novel. It is credited to Jack Thorne as playwright, based on a story by Rowling, Tiffany, and Thorne.

Production and performance

The work premiered as a two-part stage production in 2016 and has been mounted in multiple cities. Its format is designed for live theatre, though a script publication also exists.

Reception and canon status

The play has been treated by its creators and official franchise materials as part of the broader Harry Potter story, though some fans debate its place in canon. For encyclopedic purposes, it is commonly described as the official stage continuation of the series.

Key facts

  • The story continues the Harry Potter timeline after the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
  • It centres on Harry Potter’s relationship with his youngest son, Albus Severus Potter.
  • Time travel and alternate timelines are major plot elements.
  • The original stage production is presented in two parts.
  • The play was developed from a story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, with the script by Jack Thorne.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter it through touring productions, published script editions, and local theatre coverage, since the work has been staged internationally.

Frequently asked questions

What is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child about?
It follows Harry Potter as an adult and his son Albus, whose relationship is strained by family expectations and time travel consequences.
Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child a book or a play?
It is primarily a stage play, though it has also been published in script-book form.
Who wrote Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
The play is by Jack Thorne, based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne.
How long is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
The original stage production is performed in two parts.
Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child canon?
It is generally treated as the official continuation of the Harry Potter story, though some readers debate its canonical status.
Where can I see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
It is performed in live theatre productions in selected cities, depending on current touring and resident productions.

References

  1. Harry Potter Wiki — https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Cursed_Child
    Supports: Basic plot synopsis and setting after the Deathly Hallows epilogue.
  2. MuggleNet — https://mugglenet.com/resources/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-explained-plot-summary-and-changes-over-the-years/
    Supports: Plot summary, setting, and major story elements including Albus, Scorpius, and time travel.
  3. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbe8ydOn_N8
    Supports: Summary stating the play is by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, and describing the two-part stage format.
  4. Screen Rant — https://screenrant.com/harry-potter-cursed-child-plot-summary/
    Supports: Plot overview and the play format.