Potted Potter, Customs House

May 31 2007 By Gordon Barr, The Evening Chronicle

While Harry Potter fans eagerly await the release of the seventh and final book, the first six tales can be heard in just an hour this Sunday on Tyneside.

Dan Clarkson is a huge Harry Potter fan. So too is Jeff Turner.

It's just as well. For the pair are making a living out of the Harry Potter books - galloping through all six of them on stage in just 60 minutes.

Potted Potter: The Unofficial Harry Experience was a huge hit at the Edinburgh Festival last year and makes its way to the Customs House in South Shields on Sunday.

"We race our way through all six books in the space of 60 minutes," says Dan. "There is a certain amount of ad-libbing and improvisation, and it helps to keep things fresh and interesting. It also makes it more fun for the audience too.

"We have full costumes for every character so I get to rush around the stage a lot. I think I have lost 30 to 40lbs through this! Nothing is missed out, you know."

The audience on Sunday may even find themselves taking part in a game of Quidditch!

But how did it all begin for the Potter pair?

"About two years ago we were approached by a bookstore and set the challenge of doing five Potter books in five minutes. We created a 20-minute piece around that and that's how it all began," said Dan.

"There were rumours JK Rowling saw us at Edinburgh but we've never been able to substantiate them!

"Are we actual fans of Harry Potter? Very, very much so.

"We are eagerly awaiting the summer and getting ready to update the show and hopefully the book will be out in time for Edinburgh this year."

Potted Potter - The Unofficial Harry Experience is at the Customs House on Sunday at 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are £10, £8 concs and £35 family, and are available now from the box office on (0191) 454 1234.