Culture Street

J.K. Rowling has responded to criticism at the casting of Olivier award-winning actress Noma Dumezweni.
"I had a bunch of racists telling me that because Hermione 'turned white' — that is, lost colour from her face after a shock — that she must be a white woman, which I have a great deal of difficulty with," she told The Observer. "But I decided not to get too agitated about it and simply state quite firmly that Hermione can be a black woman with my absolute blessing and enthusiasm."

J.K. Rowling says she has become increasingly frustrated with the shocking online reactions adding, “Noma was chosen because she was the best actress for the job."

The play picks up 19 years after Harry was last seen waving his children off to Hogwarts at the end of Deathly Hallows.
Harry Potter is working in the Ministry of Magic but it is his youngest son Albus who is the centre of this new story. Just how will he cope with the family’s legacy? The play will be in two parts. You can see the first part as a matinee and the second in the evening or come back the following night. It's up to you!

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage.

Alongside Noma Dumezweni, the play stars Jamie Parker as Harry, who originated the role of Scripps in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys and is currently playing Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. He is joined London Road star Paul Thornley as Ron. The play goes into previews on June 7 at Palace Theatre in London's West End. The book, based on the play, can be pre-ordered here in Australia and here in the UK.