Dear Jamie, Tom, Rakie, James, Theo, Samuel, Emma, David, Martin and the entire wizarding company of Cursed Child,

I’m fully aware even as I write this that it won’t be the first time, and nowhere near the last that someone will express this sentiment to you, and will probably do it far more eloquently than I, but I’m going to try all the same.

When Cursed Child was first announced, I felt torn. Massively excited of course, because it was a new addition to the universe I loved, but also desperately sad because with it came the awful notion that I would never get to be a part of the phenomenon, given the sheer brute force of its inevitable popularity, and contented myself with the script.

Happily though, the more resilient part of me won out and I decided to give getting tickets a shot. I first saw the play on June 10th 2017, a few weeks after you all had made your debuts, if I recall! This past weekend on 7th April, I returned to Hogwarts, having decided almost from the outset that one trip wasn’t going to be enough!

Reading words on a page and then eventually seeing them acted in front of your eyes is a curious thing. You’re never quite prepared for the intensity of feeling it gives you, and I get that quality in spades from watching all of you: the depth and nuances you bring to these beloved characters is astounding, and your energy, commitment and enthusiasm is infectious.

Returning to the original books as an adult, I’ve noticed that my reactions to the themes and certain characters changed and developed, and continue to, and I take immense joy from the fact that this series can still achieve that all these years later. Cursed Child is no exception to this, and I’ve loved watching your portrayals grow and change between my trips, and the dynamic between you all just seems to go from strength to strength!

Jamie – I’m sorry we never got to meet , but I hope one day to be able to thankyou in person for the phenomenal experience it has been having you as my original Harry. The presence, warmth and vulnerability you give to him moved me profoundly, and because of that I now feel I have a deeper connection to the character than I ever found in the books.

Tom – You know I love watching you because we met through other shows, but I want to let you know how proud I am of you. Your take on Ron will never fail to make me smile, I adore the humour you bring out in him, as well as that softer side, and its always a joy to see.

Rakie – You are my vision of Hermione personified when you step onstage. She’s sassy, intelligent and strong and I love how effortless you make it!

James – What can I say? You’ve made me understand & appreciate Draco in a way I had never done before. The swagger and charisma I knew is there, but you team that with an incredibly sincere, witty and vulnerable side that always warms my heart. Team Malfoy now and forever!

Samuel & Theo – I consider it one of my greatest theatrical joys seeing you bring Scorpius and Albus to life, and I’ve no doubt you’re destined for many more wonderful roles to come! The chemistry you two have is incredibly endearing, and I’ll never forget the laughter or the tears I shed!

David – When we met after my first visit, I was totally overwhelmed and I think I said the sum total of “you made me cry!”to you and little else, but thankfully you knew what scene I meant and salvaged the conversation. What I meant to say was Thankyou David, for playing one of my favourite characters so absolutely perfectly I was moved to tears. It happened again this 2nd time, too 😉

The thing I think I love most about the play is how human and honest it is. It’s about people wanting to connect, friendship and family. I’ve left both times thinking about the people that are important to me, and that’s a really powerful and special thing! Both visits to the play I’ve had I’ve been accompanied by a very dear friend who I don’t get to see as often as I would like for various reasons, so I’m thankful to the play and all of you for bringing us back together in a sense.

Of course, not only are you an incredibly talented company of actors, you also strike me as rather wonderful humans. Those of you I have been lucky enough to meet at Stage Door have been incredibly thoughtful, kind and generous with your time! I can’t tell you what a buzz it is for me as a fan of theatre to meet a cast so ready and willing to talk about the show and the impact it has on its fans. After my recent visit I was absolutely bowled over by the welcome I received having only been twice with such a length between visits! Little things like that are just the icing on top of the cake.

I realise now that I probably could have said all this after my first visit, but I was so overwhelmed and elated by it all back then I felt I could never do the experience and what it means to me justice. I also wanted so badly for the words to be “right” which is why it took so long. You wonderful folks of Year Two are always going to be “my” cast, and though it feels completely inadequate: Thankyou. Always.

Kerrie