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If you’re planning to going to London’s West End, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child musical show at the Palace Theatre is definitely worth seeing. The stage magic alone is so creative; you’ll honestly be sitting there.
Set 19 years after the main series, Harry is now older and working a desk job at the Ministry. His relationship with his son Albus is quite strained. Things get complicated when Albus gets sorted into Slytherin and bonds with Draco’s son, Scorpius. Together, they try to go back in time to fix a past mistake, which obviously backfires.
🗽 Heading to New York instead?
Catching the show on Broadway? You can reserve official tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre, NYC.
Book Broadway (NYC) Tickets on Tiqets ➔
What Makes it Different?
A night out with the Cursed Child includes two shows that you can catch the same day (an afternoon performance and an evening performance) or watch on separate evenings over two days. Although 7 plus hours in the theatre doesn’t sound fun.
Honestly, once you’re in your seat, you won’t even notice the time passing. The stage magic, (yes this does include wand duels without Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes intervention), is, in itself, spectacular.
Key Information:
Location: Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London.
Production Structure: Two Parts (Part 1 & Part 2).
Age Rating: For those aged 10 and above (because some of the darker magical spells could be too scary for little kids). Looking for a great evening in London? You really can’t go wrong with The Cursed Child—almost everyone who sees it is blown away.
Why Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child London Show is Unique?
In contrast to common theatre performance, London performance consists of two separate acts. Either you can buy tickets to watch both of them in one day (afternoon act followed by evening one) or split it between two days.
Just the special effects are enough to justify the money spent. Duels with wands, flying objects, and live transformations take place right before your eyes without any help from the computer graphics used in films. If you’re looking for an unforgettable night in London, a trip to the Cursed Child will impress most, if not all who make it into the auditorium!
Best Hotels Near Palace Theatre, London
Because Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an epic two-part production finishing late into the evening, catching late trains or navigating night buses can be exhausting. Staying within a 5- to 10-minute walk in Soho or Covent Garden lets you avoid post-show transport queues and enjoy London’s best dining right at your doorstep.
- ✓ 2 to 7 mins walk to Palace Theatre
- ✓ Vibrant Soho food & nightlife scene
- ✓ Flexible cancellation on selected rooms
Live real-time rates • Flexible booking options on central London stays
Where is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playing in London?
It’s at the Palace Theatre, 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY, right at Cambridge Circus. The nearest tube stations are Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road, both a short walk away.
Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child now one part or two?
The production moved to a one-part version in October 2026, so you can now see the whole story in a single sitting instead of booking two separate performances. Always check your booking confirmation to make sure you’ve picked the right version.
How long is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
The one-part version runs for about 2 hours 55 minutes, including an interval. The timing can change slightly between performances, so it’s worth leaving a little extra room in your plans.
What time are the performances?
Evening shows are typically Tuesday to Saturday at 7pm, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1pm and on Sundays at 2.30pm. Schedules can change, so check the exact time for your date when you book.
How much do Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets cost?
Prices depend on the date, the seat and how early you book. Tickets start from around £28 for the cheapest seats, while the best seats in the stalls and dress circle cost considerably more, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
What age is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child suitable for?
The recommended age is 8 and over. Children under 5 aren’t admitted, and everyone, regardless of age, needs their own ticket. Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over and sit in seats next to them.
Do I need to have read the books or seen the films?
It helps, but it isn’t essential. The play is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and picks up after the books, so fans will enjoy the references. Newcomers can still follow the story, though you’ll get more out of it if you know the basics.
Does the show contain flashing lights or special effects?
Yes. The production uses small but not continual flashing lights, along with plenty of stage effects. If you or anyone in your group is sensitive to flashing lights, it’s best to check the official content guidance before booking.
Where are the best seats at the Palace Theatre?
The centre of the stalls and the front of the dress circle are popular choices for a clear view of the whole stage. If you’re on a budget, the higher levels are cheaper but further from the stage, so check the seat view before booking, especially for restricted-view seats.
How early should I arrive at the Palace Theatre?
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time. That gives you time to collect your tickets, get through security and settle into your seat before the show begins.
Is there a dress code?
No. Most people wear smart casual, so wear whatever you’ll feel comfortable in for nearly three hours.
Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets?
Most tickets are non-refundable and can’t be exchanged once bought, so double-check your date, time and seats before paying. Terms can vary by seller, so read the conditions on your booking page.
Is the Palace Theatre accessible?
The theatre offers accessible seating and assistance, but access can vary by seat. To arrange wheelchair-accessible or other access seating, it’s best to contact the theatre’s access team directly before you book.