Written for the review section of a common newspaper, like the Good Weekend lift-out in the Sydney Morning Herald. Audience is the general public. Note: this show has finished now, so read as if intended for publication before the end of June 2019.
Taking up the torch of one of the world’s most favourite franchises is never an easy feat, but Sydney's latest show truly brings magic to the stage.
The off-Broadway comedy hit PUFFS is a less legitimate but wholly beautiful tribute to the popular world of Harry Potter. In the same way that Wicked gives audiences a unique perspective into the classic tale of the Wizard of Oz, PUFFS has become the theatrical spin-off of J.K. Rowling's fictional universe, condensing the best moments of a seven-year narrative into a two-and-a-half hour play.
Do not expect to see a lot of heroes you've grown to love. The original characters take the backseat in this marvelous performance and leave room for three new heroes to arise, as writer Matt Cox fights to tell the story of the Hufflepuffs (hence the name) who just so happened to be attending Hogwarts at the same time as Harry Potter and his friends. Ryan Hawke stars as Wayne, the dorky but well-intentioned main character, and is supported by Adam Marks and Angelina Thomson, who play the roles of his best friends Oliver and Megan convincingly.
PUFFS serves as a cheeky homage to the Harry Potter universe, celebrating the work of J.K. Rowling, while also pointing out plot-holes in the original story, filling them with quick-witted humour and hilarious new takes. The diverse all-Australian cast is brilliant – Matt Whitty's Professor Snape interpretation had the audience crying from laughter and Gareth Isaac is truly delightful as the Narrator – and Madeleine Bundy's costume and set designs are a joy to behold, truly transforming you into a world where magic exists for the duration of the show.
The play is hilarious and fast-paced - sometimes, you have to be quick to catch the jokes, or else they’ll fly over your head faster than the Golden Snitch. Performed within a homely tent canopy in the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter, most of the hiccups within the show came from being unable to hear lines of dialogue, as microphones are rarely used throughout the performance.
PUFFS still retains more than enough to satisfy the average Harry Potter fan, but with that being said, the play also seems to assume that its audience is familiar with both the books and the films. Make sure to brush up on your Harry Potter knowledge beforehand if you’re not so magic-savvy, as many of the gags may not hit home.
There is a moral to behold as well – there’s nothing wrong with staying true to yourself, and PUFFS helps us to see the magic in believing we are all the main character of our own wonderful stories.
RATING: ★★★★☆
Catch this vibrant, fun-filled performance about the unsung heroes of the Harry Potter universe before it's too late!
PUFFS, now showing Tuesday-Sunday from 8 pm in the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney until Sunday, June 30th, 2019.
For the little wizards & witches: PUFFS have family-friendly matinees at 1 pm every Saturday and Sunday, to ensure young fans won't learn any new curses!
Don't miss: the Wizard Bar within the tent complex, the audience interactivity segments and a stellar performance by James Bryers as Cedric Diggory/Voldemort.
Tickets: previews from $49.90; general admission from $69.90 online.
Available at ticketek.com.au. View the official website for PUFFS here.