Written and performed by: Rich Watkins Productions
For many fans of ubiquitous child-wizard Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling’s recent controversial anti-trans rhetoric has raised the question of how to separate the author from the world they have created. Reclaiming Harry offers a fabulously queer head-on solution to that quandary with a show incorporating drag, a time-travelling Harry and the pop music of 1997 (it turns out this was an exceptional year for pop, by the way). It’s an endlessly hilarious and energising production, which presents a perfect way to revel in a fictional world, whilst changing the narrative.
Rowling’s views are only briefly referenced. There are no attempts tonight to argue the case against her but rather it is assumed that we’re all on the same page and we can concentrate on creating a new, LGBTQ+-friendly world for Harry. In the show, Harry’s ex-No. 1 fan and fanfic writer, Ally McSteel, is chosen to re-write the books. Harry is sent back to 1997 (when the original book was released) to meet Ally and help her make his world anew minus the toxic touch of Rowling.
Their journey brings them into contact with characters from the Potter universe, and then as they search the literary world for inspiration, characters from Narnia, Lord of the Rings and The Wizard of Oz. But these beloved creations are not as we remember them; they appear in a puff of glitter and make-up, transformed into their queer, camped-up-to-the-max true selves. The power of drag to create alternative, queer realities is harnessed to perfection, bringing a cathartic irreverence to these tame, usually untouched fictional worlds. Songs from 1997 are requisitioned along the way, sung with new lyrics that push the story forward and provoke gleeful singalongs.
It’s an absolutely joyous combination. The jokes and references to Potter and beyond come thick and fast, and the time travelling limbo they all find themselves in brings an extra layer of silliness, just the right amount of self-awareness. The performers are excellent – dancing, singing, casting spells, all with impeccable comic timing and skill.
There’s a flag-waving celebratory finale featuring a sequined “Fabulous Voldemort” declaring “we’re taking it back!” And these are not empty words because we have just seen this wonderful company do exactly that over the last uproarious hour.
Runs until 22 May 2024
The Review Hub Score
Joyously queer reimagining
