EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Potted Potter Cast

Wingardium Leviosaaaa!

Let's raise our brooms to the return of Potted Potter! An amazing sold-out production that was here in Singapore in 2012 which will be returning for another round of magical goodness this 10 - 14 September 2014. Get ready for a solid 70 minute show filled with all your favourite characters from all 7 of J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter series.

Boy, am I excited to catch it! Having received worldwide acclaim, Potted Potter has received rave reviews from all leading UK papers such as The Guardian, The Times and Daily Mail, in addition to being a Time Out Critic's Choice. It was also featured in the New York Times and other major papers in Australia and Toronto.

What makes Potted Potter such an amazing show? You'll get to see two talent actors play the roles of 360 characters to perfection plus you can catch this global sensation right here in at the Jubilee Hall Raffles Hotel, Singapore. It doesn't get any better than that.

I was able to interview both actors, James Percy and Benjamin Stratton, who play Harry Potter and "all other characters" respectively. Read on as they answer some VERY important questions that we're all dying to know.

Benjamin Stratton

1. In 5 words, sum up what Potted Potter is about.

Harry Potter in a Nutshell.

2. Was drama and theatre always something you wanted to do? If not, what would you be doing?

Actually, when I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional soccer player. And soccer is still one of my big passions. I worked really hard and loved playing so much but apparently, professional soccer players have to be "good at soccer" so that was where I came up short....Drama and theatre just happened to to something I discovered I was quite good at. So I figured I'd try my luck and see how far I can get before someone realises I'm doing a job that is far too fun and make me work in an office or something.

3. What's the best part about being in Potted Potter?

I grew up with the books and the movies. It's a big part of my childhood and to be a small part of the Potter Generation is extremely rewarding. Also the Potted Potter team are like a little family and I already feel like part of that family and I pinch myself that I get to do this incredibly fun job with my good friends, telling a story I love.

4. If you had a magical pet, what would it be and what is its name?

A talking dog called John. I know dog's aren't magical technically, but I am not a fan of cats and dogs are your best buddy. Other than that I have no idea why I called him John.

5. Which Hogwarts house do you think you'd be sorted into and why?

I'd like to think Gryffindor but I think I'd quite like Hufflepuff. You have zero expectations to live up to. I mean Slytherin are the evil ones (aka cool!), Gryffindor are the brave heroic ones, Ravenclaw are super intelligent and Hufflepuff...are also there. Haha I think they're best known for being "good finders"...gee...cool. But if I was in Hufflepuff I could just chill and have a laugh and watch all the other houses fight it out amongst themselves :D

James Percy

1. We've heard great things about the show but we haven't seen it yet. Tell us about it.

Well, Potted Potter is all seven Harry Potter books in 70 minutes, with only two actors. I, have the job of playing Harry while Ben has the privilege of playing every other character. Watching Ben quickly dissolve into a sweaty mess, as he frantically tries to play everyone, never gets old. Plus, his Hermione is definitely worth a watch, she's beautiful.

2. Where did your interest in comedy start?

I've been a big comedy addict for as long as I can remember! I remember my Dad introducing me to things like Monty Python, Morecambe & Wise and Mr Bean from a very young age. I always thought it was just incredible, being able to make people laugh. It's really why I love this show so much, because at the heart of it, it's a classic comedy double act. We take so much inspiration from Laurel & Hardy, and the Pythons. It's such a treat to just go out there and have fun with an audience night after night.

3. Who is your favourite Harry Potter character and why?

I suppose I should really say Harry as he's the character I play. But. I am a bit of a secret fan of Gilderoy Lockhart, I think his clothes are brilliant, and check out that hair!

4. Tell us something about yourself that people will be surprised to know.

Here's one. Before I became an actor, I was going to be a lawyer. I'd always wanted to be an actor since I was very young, but at 18 I tried to be very sensible, went to university and spent three years studying Law. But I soon realised that I just couldn't push the acting away and as soon as I graduated I went straight to drama school and trained as an actor. It does mean though I still have a nice piece of paper with 'Law Degree' written on it!

5. What fun things or activities do you want to try out in Singapore?

This is our first trip to Singapore, so we're complete tourists! We may need some willing tour guides to show us round, do you know anybody? We'll try not to be annoying. I'll leave Ben in the hotel if you want, with the window open to let a bit of air in. He'll be fine.
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Anyone wants to volunteer to show them around Singapore? Let's dare them to take selfies with a selfie stick and line up at Tian Tian chicken rice!