EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Adam Larter, Writer and Star of “Harry Potter and the Inappropriate Hallowe’en”

Harry Potter and the Inappropriate Hallowe'en is an unofficial sequel to the Harry Potter series – can you tell us a bit about the show?

The show is called Inappropriate Hallowe'en because it[']s about the conflict in Harry not wanting to celebrate Halloween (ya know, what with his history) and the rest of his gang wanting a good knees up. It's really very silly; we're comedians more than actors, so our first instinct is to do something stupid - there are home-made costumes, there will be forgotten lines, but above all it will be a lot of fun.

Were you inspired by any other Harry Potter fan-made creations?

Not really. I approached it in the same way I approach most plays - I'm trying to find the interesting ways to bring humour from different characters and their frustrations. It just happens to be in the Harry Potter world. I've read bits of fan fiction humour here and there and seen different parodies over the years - I think our approach plays on the relationships more than the magical world. It's about how messed up everyone is after the Battle of Hogwarts and all the un-resolved tensions.

You founded the Weirdos Comedy Club, which has put on shows based on Hook, Colonel Sanders, and even a feminist mermaid. Why did you choose to base this one on Harry Potter?

I'm a massive, massive fan of the series (books mainly, films less). I was lucky to be 11 years old when Philosopher[']s Stone was released and read every book as it came out - growing up with Harry. It's something I'll always be a fan of and always re-read [sic] - writing and performing these plays has only added to my love of the series, really, as I remember each time how great the characters are (even Ginny).

Not only did you write the show, but you also star as the boy wizard himself. Did you re-watch the films to pick up tips, or will it be your own interpretation of Harry? What is the best/worst thing about playing Harry?

My version of Harry is very similar to myself. He's just a bloke in his 20s with an English accent, dark-hair [sic] and glasses who had a bit of a crazy child-hood [sic]. I don't need to change costume[s] much. His worries come from how much is expected of him of where his disappointments lie - did he just "settle" for Ginny[? A]re all his fun adventures behind him? Did all his interesting friends die?

I don't feel too much pressure playing Harry; he is a simple guy, really. He wants to do the right thing, and you definitely get a sense in Deathly Hallows that he just wants some quiet time to himself.

The best thing is getting to play my hero. The worst thing is having to compete with the rest of the cast who are ridiculously talented comedians.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an upcoming West End play based on a story by J.K. Rowling. Are you looking forward to it? Do you have any advice for the writers/performers?

I will go and watch it for sure, I'm interested to see what they do, especially [since] it's Rowling endorsed (unlike ours). I think the people putting on that show have very different goals (and definitely budgets). We're trying to make people laugh and trying to be silly. It's why all our costumes are home-made, and the props are made from cardboard (keep an eye out for a pretty awesome Hogwarts [E]xpress and an even more awesome [P]atronus).

Since 2012, Weirdos has held annual Christmas pantomimes in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Will they return this Christmas, and what can we expect from Weirdos in the future?

I didn't want to do a pantomime this year because it really stresses me out trying to do a show bigger and better than the year before. We will be doing one again, though, because its nice to raise money for charity, and it's a huge amount of fun. I can't say what this year's pantomime is about [since I]'ve only just finished the final script; it will be very, very stupid, though. I can't say what you can expect of Weirdos because I never thought we'd even be going this long. Something interesting, hopefully; otherwise, there is very little point.

Thanks!

No, thank you!

Harry Potter and the Inappropriate Hallowe’en (an unofficial sequel)

A comedy play at Leicester Square Theatre on 31st October
A group of London’s most celebrated and inventive alternative comedians are bringing the magical world of Harry Potter to the London stage this Hallowe’en in an original comedy play at Leicester Square Theatre.

Harry Potter and the Inappropriate Hallowe’en is an unofficial sequel to the Harry Potter series takes place on Hallowe’en (the anniversary of the death of Harry’s parents). A perfect setting for a party.

There will be wands, spells, owls and people with Latin names that represent part of their personality.

How will Harry keep his neurosis in check? Will Ginny develop a personality? Is Malfoy still a [twerp]?

All these questions will be answered on 31st October at one of London’s finest comedy venues.

The play is a co-production of Laugh Out London (third best comedy club in London – Time Out) and Weirdos Comedy Club (“the closest thing we have to a modern-day Comic Strip” – Chortle).

It is written and directed by Adam Larter, head of Weirdos, who also stars as the boy wizard.

Adam’s previous work includes a sell-out run of the original comedy panto A Christmas Tail at Bob Slayer’s Christmas Grotto last December, The Colonel (the story of a certain fried chicken entrepreneur) and a live reproduction of Steven Spielberg’s classic film Hook.

Together these shows have raised thousands of pounds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The rest of the cast of muggles* and mudbloods** includes:

Eleanor Morton as Ginny Weasley

‘Charmingly Whimsical’ The Guardian

Matt Tedford as Ron Weasley

Star of five star Edinburgh Fringe and London hit Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho

Marny Godden as Hermione Granger

"A promising eccentric" - The Scotsman

Joz Norris as Draco Malfoy

"A born entertainer" - Chortle

As various other characters:

Cassie Atkinson, Jon Brittain, Sooz Kempner, Gareth Morinan

The night will also include a new performance by superb comedy song-smith Laurence Owen.

"Ridiculously clever... Everything parody should be"

Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

Details of the event:

Date: Saturday 31st October 2015

Venue: Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BX

Nearest station: Leicester Square (2 minute walk)

Time: Doors 6.45pm, start 7.15pm (run time is 1hr 30 mins including an interval)

Tickets: £12.50 (£10 concession)

Age limit: 18+

Dress code: Fancy

Ticket Link: http://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/

* alternative comedians

** more alternative comedians

If you would like more information or to speak to someone involved in the production please email laughoutlondon@hotmail.co.uk