J.K. Rowling Confirms “Harry Potter” Stage Play

Earlier this morning, British tabloid The Daily Mail ran with what appeared to be a nonsense news story: a West End adaptation of Harry Potter. Mere hours later, however, J.K. Rowling herself has confirmed that this will in fact become a reality.

Releasing a statement on her official Facebook page, Rowling has confirmed a collaboration with award-winning theater producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender to bring to life the story of the boy in the cupboard under the stairs. It seems the production will be following in the wake of the enormously successful musical adaptation of Matilda by the Royal Shakespeare Company and will explore the “previously untold story of Harry’s early years as an outcast.”

The post included a quote from Jo Rowling, stating,

Over the years I have received countless approaches about turning Harry Potter into a theatrical production, but Sonia and Colin’s vision was the only one that really made sense to me and which had the sensitivity, intensity and intimacy I thought appropriate for bringing Harry’s story to the stage. After a year in gestation it is exciting to see this project moving on to the next phase.

Rowling has been confirmed as co-producer and collaborator on the project but won’t be writing the script. The hunt for writers and directors will begin in the new year.

How do you feel about this news? Planning the trip to London now or waiting to hear the reviews first?! Let us know in the comments section below.