Official character portraits of the Australian cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child have been released ahead of the first preview performance at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre.

It’s that time again! We await the unveiling of a new Cursed Child cast in their costumes with baited breath, and the cast of the Australian production do not disappoint.

Prepare to meet the newest Potters, Weasleys and Malfoys…

Harry, Ginny and Albus - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Melbourne

Here is Gareth Reeves as Harry Potter, alongside Lucy Goleby as Ginny and Sean Rees-Wemyss as their son, Albus. Sean was particularly thrilled about one element of his costume: ‘It’s the best feeling ever having a wand. It’s like a dream come true. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan so being given a wand for the first time, the inner child in me who first fell in love with the books back in 2005, just sprang out and totally took over.’ Well, some say the wand chooses the wizard!

Ron, Hermione and Rose - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Melbourne

And then we have the Granger-Weasleys: Gyton Grantley as Ron Weasley, Paula Arundell as Hermione Granger and Manali Datar as their daughter, Rose Granger-Weasley. Manali spoke about the time-travelling she did herself when she donned the costume: ‘I love the robes, I love getting into character it really helps me feel like a thirteen-year-old, which I haven’t felt like in a while.’

Draco and Scorpius - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Melbourne

And last but by no means least… the Malfoys! Here we have Tom Wren as Draco and William McKenna as his son, Scorpius. For William, the costume really sealed the deal when it came to inhabiting his character: ‘It feels weird, you can have all your preconceived ideas and you can create the character but once the wig and costume is on, you know, it’s finally like “oh, hello! There he is. There’s Scorpius.”’

Albus, Rose and Scorpius - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Melbourne

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is in previews now and opens exclusively in Melbourne on 23 February and is currently booking through to 1 December 2019. Tickets are available from HarryPotterthePlay.com.