By Pakeman Primary School (London)

From the moment our Year 6 children heard the words Harry Potter, they were immediately excited for their trip to the theatre. For most of our children, this was their first time ever being in an audience for a West End production and it was going to be an experience to remember.

When we entered the theatre and got to our seats, the children were in awe of the set on the stage – some noticing a hat that looked like it was floating, while others questioned if the dementors were in the show and if they would come out into the audience. The buzz of excitement continued when the lights went down, and the show began.

Our children were fully immersed in the storyline, even if they weren’t familiar with the previous Harry Potter book. Hearing their gasps, cheers and claps as the sets changed, and during the unbelievable magic scenes made our experience as adults even more magical! There is absolutely no doubt that their favourite part was the end of Part 1 when the dementors really did come out into the audience – their applause and cheers vouched for that.

Coming out of the show, there were smiles on everybody’s faces. Each and every child said it was by the far BEST trip our school has ever been on!

It really was a trip to remember, so thank you for providing our children with this memorable experience!

A huge thank you to Artis Ambassador and Director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, John Tiffany, for generously donating tickets to the dress rehearsal this February for two of our partner schools.