FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne 

Unless you've been living under a Muggle rock you'll know that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first official Harry Potter show to be presented on stage. The play has taken Melbourne, and the world, by storm!

The playwrights are J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, and is set 19 years after the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and the Battle of Hogwarts.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opened in Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in January 2019 and is expected to play for at least a couple of years. After I published my review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child I received many questions about our experiences – so I've decided to answer all the FAQ about the show and Harry Potter in Melbourne here!

I’ve tried to ‘Keep the Secrets’ as much as possible so there are no spoilers!

Buy discount tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with Melbourne Airport Skybus transfers

Where is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playing?

In Australia, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is showing exclusively at the Princess Theatre at 163 Spring Street in Melbourne. Tickets are currently being released until 3 October 2021.  It is not coming to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide at this stage.

Internationally, it is showing in London, New York, San Francisco, Hamburg and Toronto.

How much are tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne?

The majority of Harry Potter Melbourne tickets are between $65 and $175, with a limited number of premium tickets available for $200+.  A $9.75 Ticketmaster handling fee applies.  I also recommend signing up to ShopBack and Cashrewards to get cashback on your Ticketmaster purchases. That’s extra money straight into your account for every tracked transaction (I get referral credit too).

Note that some of the restricted view tickets are really restricted ie you won't be able to see a third of the stage. If your budget allows I recommend purchasing standard seats. We buy $85 seats in Row H 17-18 (centre of the last row) of the Dress Circle.

There are also package deals available with tickets and Melbourne Airport Skybus Transfer. Some hotels also offer show and accommodation packages from time to time.

Each week, 40 tickets for $40 each are released via TodayTix for shows coming up in the next week.  They are known as the Friday Forty.

Buy discount tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with Melbourne Airport Skybus transfers

Find Hotels and Airbnbs near Princess Theatre, Melbourne

Where can I buy tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne?

Most ticket sales will be done via Ticketmaster online or at a Ticketmaster outlet (including the Princess Theatre's box office).

How long does Harry Potter and the Cursed Child go for?

It’s a two-part show, with Part 1 running for 2 hours 40 minutes and Part 2 for 2 hours 35 minutes. There is a 20-minute interval in each part.

To make the most of the experience, I suggest that you see the show on two consecutive days, or at least without waiting too long between parts. Seeing both shows within the same day will really test your stamina and concentration. Personally I think something will be lost in the process!

I do not recommend seeing either just Part 1 or just Part 2. You will only be seeing half the show as Part 2 picks up the action directly from the end of Part 1.

What age is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child suitable for?

The show officially recommends the play for children 10 years and up.  I think fans that are familiar with the stories could see the show from age 8 upwards – Lady AB was 8yo when she saw the show. Other than a few frightening and sudden bits she was generally ok with the content and the two consecutive late nights.

Note that the majority of the audience are adults – it is not a ‘kids’ show and no accommodation has really been made to make it ‘kid-friendly’. If you are bringing a little person take a cushion so that they can see over adults’ heads. Plus maybe some not-noisy snacks and a cuddly toy or something else that's silent for them to fiddle with in their hands.

Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child a musical?

No, it is not a musical. Apparently, J.K. Rowling doesn’t like musicals!

Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child worth seeing?

Oh My Gosh Yes! The effects are simply magical and the set design, lighting and sound design all make the show a must-see. It’s unlike any other theatrical show I’ve ever experienced. I think even non-Harry Potter fans will marvel at the artistry of the show! It is exciting, suspenseful and there’s lots of action. Read my full review here.

Where should we eat near Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne?

I’ve compiled a list of family-friendly restaurants in the CBD and the show website also offers nearby dining suggestions.  I note that Longrain, who don’t normally accept bookings, will take bookings if you are there for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child interval dining. Wherever you go I highly recommend making a booking – up to 1500 people will be heading out at interval at the same time.

At one stage the Imperial Hotel Rooftop Bar around the corner offered Harry Potter inspired food and drinks. The pop-up space resembling Diagon Alley is now closed, but I’m keeping an eye on whether it will reopen again.

Where should we stay if we’re seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne?

Why not build on the Harry Potter experience with accommodation at The Wizard’s Suite at the Hotel Windsor or see what else is available on Booking.com and Airbnb.

What other Harry Potter attractions can we visit in Melbourne?

While you're in Melbourne you can visit The Store of Requirement in Collingwood and drink Butterbeer…

…take your photo pushing your Hogwarts Trolley through at Platform 9 3/4. You'll find it inside the largest Harry Potter store in Australia, at Myer Melbourne…

…or tick off my list of other Harry Potter experiences in Melbourne.

Where can I buy Harry Potter merchandise?

There are merchandise stands at the Princess Theatre Melbourne. They are open before, during the interval and after each show.

To be honest most of the items you can probably source from elsewhere (cheaper) other than the program for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ($25).

To get in the mood why not:

• Buy Harry Potter costumes and props from CostumeBox.com.au;
• Choose some Harry Potter toys;
• Choose Harry Potter Lego to build and play;
• Get Harry Potter Kindle books.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book using the links there is no extra cost to you and I earn a small commission that helps me to provide free, valuable and useful information for you! Thanks Joyce