Over 200,000 tickets have already been snapped up for Melbourne’s incoming production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Potter fervour continues as the cast for Australia’s version of J K Rowling’s play was revealed over the weekend.

New Zealand actor Gareth Reeves will don a scar and glasses to play Harry Potter. Reeves has previously appeared in the feature film Pete’s Dragon in 2016, Bell Shakespeare productions and The National Theatre’s Warhorse.

Underbelly star Gyton Grantley will take the role of Ron Weasley, and acclaimed TV actor Paula Arundell will play Hermione.

Based on Rowling’s story, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child picks up almost two decades after Harry vanquishes Voldemort at the end of the original series. The play begins as Harry, now working with the Ministry of Magic, sees off his son Albus as he boards the train to Hogwarts.

Further plot details have been kept under-wraps thanks to #KeeptheSecrets. A campaign which urges ticket holders and production staff to remain tight-lipped about the details of the show.

Lucy Goleby will appear as Ginny Potter and Sean Rees-Wemyss as Albus Potter. Tom Wren will appear as Draco Malfoy and William McKenna as Scorpius Malfoy (Draco’s son).

The play, which has a runtime of over five hours, will begin in January next year. Tickets are available until November 2019, although more dates are expected to be announced.

Three new Potter-themed books are due to hit shelves before Christmas. Including Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Guide to Hogwarts, Harry Potter: Creatures: A Paper Scene Book and Harry Potter: Imagining Hogwarts: A Beginner’s Guide to Moviemaking.