Harry Potter and the Cursed Child officially opens on Saturday, with the support of the Andrews Labor Government. Melbourne’s Princess Theatre is the only place in the southern hemisphere where theatregoers can see this unmissable production.
Minister for Major Events Martin Pakula joined Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley at the newly restored Princess Theatre today ahead of the official opening of the highly anticipated production on Saturday. Melbourne is the third city to welcome the critically acclaimed play following its world premiere in London, where it continues to play to sold-out houses, and its debut in New York in April last year.
“Melbourne is the only city in the southern hemisphere to show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two. With theatre goers flocking to our state from far and wide, this will provide a major boost to our economy.” Minister Pakula commented.

“I’m so proud that our creative state will become just the third place in the world to welcome this fantastic production – behind London and New York – proving that that Melbourne is one of the great cultural capitals of the world.” Minister Foley commented.
Minister Foley explained that presented in two parts, the play is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first to be performed on stage. The show’s popularity and success in London and New York has been outstanding, claiming 22 major theatre awards in the United Kingdom and six Tony Awards. Minister Pakula said that In New York, 75 per cent of theatre attendees to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child were recorded as being from interstate or overseas, so we can expect that Melbourne’s production will attract theatregoers from far and wide.
Minister Foley said that The Princess Theatre has been restored, both inside and out, with wizarding touches added to the historic building to make the play even more magical. This is the first time since the theatre was built 132 years ago that the façade has undergone a complete restoration. Minister Pakula explained that the Labor Government is working hard to ensure Victoria’s major events calendar remains one of the most successful in the world, with an additional $4.5 million for the Major Events Fund in last year’s Budget.