One example is the moment a collection of levitating suitcases morphs into the top of the Hogwarts Express. Harry's son Albus (Sean Rees-Wemyss) is on the roof, facing Draco Malfoy's boy Scorpius (William McKenna). As the train speeds along a twisting track, with a fierce wind whipping in all directions, they struggle to keep their balance.
Glimpsing a few of the technical manoeuvres makes this scene no less impressive. During intermission, the couple beside me wonders aloud how the actors didn't fall off. Straps over their shoes, maybe, or Velcro soles and hidden handrails?
It took two years for this scene to come to fruition. Many ideas were devised, tested and scrapped; the process repeating until everyone was satisfied. Some pointed out it would be simpler if they ditched the suitcases, but Tiffany and Hoggett held firm.
For Hoggett, it was more than a bit of fun – he had to ensure his performers didn't tumble off the Hogwarts Express and wind up on crutches. So he installed a discreet ridge on each side of the roof, giving the boys something to push their feet against. The mental hurdles were tougher.
At first, Rees-Wemyss and McKenna practiced on the floorboards, then climbed on the prop and did it again. Once they'd mastered this, Hoggett threw new elements at them one-by-one – wind, synthetic smoke, costumes, sound – then plunged the stage into darkness.
The Sydney Morning Herald
