Review: Potted Potter Will Have You Cracking Up Just in Time For the Holidays

I have to admit, I was skeptical when I heard that Potted Potter promises all seven Harry Potter books in just seventy minutes. And several times throughout the night, when the story telling stopped for comedic moments, I was worried they wouldn't finish in time.

Before I talk about the show, I think it's necessary to disclose that I am a big fan of the Harry Potter books (although I wasn't crazy about the movie). Those who haven't read the books will be able to enjoy the show, and will pick up the basic plot but some of the comedy may be lost on you - but you'll still have a good time as there's plenty other funny things going on, on stage.

First and foremost, this show isn't an in-depth dissection of the books by any means. It's a seventy minute stand-up comedy act that's perfect for families. Before the opening night performance, one of the performers went through the audience and introduced himself to nearly everyone in the orchestra and even stopped to take photos with some of the children. This made for some very funny, cheeky moments. The show opens with the two performers, James Percy and Bejnamin Stratton pointing out the low-budget sets and production values, but promising a magical dragon in book four (because that's where they spent the entire budget, they say.) The magical dragon turns out to be a small children's puppet, and is one of the funniest moments in the show.

Percy and Stratton then set off retelling the books, with Percy playing Harry and Stratton covering "everyone else." The best bits aren't Potter-related at all, but are the banter between books. Both performers have incredible comedic timing and the ability to hold an audience's attention without ever skipping a beat.

Audiences will also enjoy playing a game of Quidditch, the magical game J. K. Rowling created for the series. Percy and Stratton divide up the audience into sections and throw a beach ball into the crowd which they must try to score trough a hoop. The audience on opening night was fully engaged and everyone appeared to enjoy this part immensely. You should note when buying tickets that those seated on the second level will be delegated as the cheering section and don't get to play. While talking about seating, I should also forewarn that those seated in the first few rows may also get just a tad wet. (Just a little squirt, you won't be drenched.)

And yes, they did get through all seven books in seventy minutes, though some were given more attention than others.

Potted Potter makes for a great night of fun, family friendly entertainment - and is in town just time for the holidays. If you like to laugh, head down to the Panasonic Theatre where James and Benjamin will have you cracking up in no time. Potted Potter is playing in Toronto through Jan 11 and tickets are available at Mirvish.com*.

*Potted Potter is presented in Toronto via Starvox Entertainment.

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