PUFFS or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic
A theatre review by Hila Tsor.
“Some people are born with the capacity to do great things. Some people change the world. Some people rise from humble beginnings to defeat the forces of darkness in the face of insurmountable odds. PUFFS is the story of the people who sit in class next to those people.”
Why should Gryffindor get all the glory?
Instead, Puffs focuses on the least adored and least known house in the Harry Potter series as the ‘rise of the anti-hero’ type play. The characters in the Hufflepuff house, each complete with their own set of quirks, are given the limelight in this hilarious production.
Half the fun of Harry Potter is the fandom, the world that had been created beyond the books and film. The energy was electric on arrival at the Sydney production of Puffs, with many fans dressed in their wizarding best. The idea of having the play inside a pop-up tent was a great touch, and incredibly reminiscent of the the Quidditch World Cup scenes of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
The play had a fan-made feel and vibe to it, without fancy costuming. However, the stage props and set were very well done, highlights including the scenes with the dementors, the prefects bathrooms (bubbles!) and general magic performance throughout.
The story line wasn’t unique or interesting, rather it was the nostalgia from the series that made this play fun. The storyline echoes that of Harry Potter, of three best friends who go on adventures together and mirror the experiences of friendship, loyalty and self-discovery in the original series.
Audience members who aren’t fans of both the books and films may miss the majority of the humour. With a mix of wit and slapstick, the play makes constant references to the original series and all of its comedic gags are linked to it. Direct lines that were said by characters in the films being repeated on stage received the most laughs.
The ending was a missed opportunity to tie the play together meaningfully, opting for a cheap joke instead. Despite this, however, the play was incredibly quirky and fun throughout and was enjoyable to watch.
Keith Rubin’s performance as Cedric and Voldemort was a standout, with his scenes leaving me in stitches.
Fans of the original series will immensely enjoy their journey back to the magical land of Hogwarts with the misfits of the Puffs house.
SHOW INFORMATION
Season Dates: Until – Sunday 30 June 2019
Performances: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 8.00pm
Saturday 2.00pm* & 8.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm* & 5:30pm
Venue: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney
Website: puffstheplay.com
Ticket bookings: ticketek.com.au
Ticket Prices: All Previews $49.90; General Tickets from $69.90 plus booking fees
*Suitable for those aged 8 and above
