I discovered theatre shortly after. I used to sing in choirs and perform in school shows and concerts. I even spent a couple of terms at a performing arts school when I was 12, but realised soon after that it wasn't for me.
It was during that short time that I went to the West End for the first time to see the original London cast of Wicked. I've been to London a dozen times since then, and nearly always go to see a show. Although I stopped performing myself, I always kept a finger on the pulse of the West End. I've watched the Olivier Awards every year since, always wishing I could go or witness the brilliant performances at the Covent Garden Piazza.
As so many people do as they get older, I became a little detached from my childhood. Harry Potter was always in my periphery, but I just wasn't as obsessed with it as I once was. I put this down to the 7 novels coming to an end and then the movies, so I think a lull in my interest is understandable.
Then Cursed Child was announced. How lucky I was when my two worlds became intertwined.
I saw Cursed Child on 3 August 2016, the first show following the opening Gala. I've already written a blog post on what that experience was like for me here.
Now here we are. 9 Olivier Awards. Nine. 9!
The play means so much to so many people, myself included. It speaks to the underdog, a pretty common theme in the Harry Potter world, but it's so much more than that. It's about friendship and love and morals, and coming to terms with ones fears and anxieties. It speaks out against cynicism, rumours and gossip, and becoming who you want to be. And the effects, music and choreography. It is just the most gorgeous show.
There was no doubt in my mind that Anthony Boyle would win Best Actor in a Supporting Role. It has been a real honour to see him grace the Palace Theatre stage the two times I've been. To see him bring life to a character so close to myself and give such a beautifully raw performance. He is outstanding and a real inspiration of mine.
 |
| Anthony Boyle as Scorpius Malfoy |
Scorpius speaks to so many of us who have known loneliness, who feel gawkish, or awkward or anxious. Scorpius is an extremely well-written character, and of course that is entirely down to Jack Thorne, who I think is just the greatest.
 |
| Noma Dumezweni The Queen Taken by Laila (@lailaismail10) |
Noma Dumezweni - where do I start? Queen Noma, radiant and glorious, she looked stunning last night. Like with Anthony, I knew Noma would win for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The grace and intelligence she brings to Hermione - a character I grew up with, one of my best friends from childhood, who inspired me and gave me the confidence to be bookish and unapologetically swotty - it's nothing short of extraordinary. She brings the fire.
 |
| Noma Dumezweni as Hermione Jean Granger |
Call me petty, but I'd quite like to have seen the faces of those people who took issue with Noma's casting when she won her SECOND OLIVIER AWARD last night. She is Hermione. Every inch of her. I often think how inspiring Noma must be to so many other people who get to see themselves on that stage, possibly for the first time ever.
It's a special thing to see Noma play Hermione at the very top of her game. I think even Minister Granger would bow down to the Queen Noma. I must mention Noma's speech too. It was beautiful and stunning and so important.
"Family. It's all about family and families feeling safe. And finding your safe place."
I really can't quite believe it still. My voice is hoarse from scream-sobbing. I feel more than a little flustered by it all, but I've tried to best to put my thoughts into a coherent post.
No comments:
Post a Comment