If the new Diversion Entertainment production of Puffs: Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic is as entertaining as the cast and director's explanation of the show’s premise, it promises to be a hilarious experience.
“I would say it's seven years of hilarious adventures. You're watching all these students at a certain school of magic, and it's just madness. I don't know how else to describe it. It’s the classic magic tale, but from a different point of view,” says Mark Rounding, who stars as Oliver Rivers.
“In the play, we have a student we call Harry, and sometimes they call him Mr. Potter, but you'll never hear both names together,” explains the show’s director, cast member, and Diversion Entertainment founding member John Leverre.
“It’s also a glimpse of what it would have been like if you got that letter and were there,” adds Kyra Knight, who plays Megan Jones.
That’s right, Puffs tells the story we all know and love but from the house of the badger's perspective.
“It’s a very well-written script. I found it a number of years ago and fell in love with it immediately. It’s a complete parody, not officially associated with a very famous wizarding world,” Leverre adds.
While the book series Puffs parodies might be familiar to younger kids, this play is probably better suited for older audiences.
“You might hear a character drop a few colourful words under their breath. It does a great job of honouring the material that inspired it while presenting it in a really creative and fun way,” says Leverre.
“It definitely has a more adult spin on the tale. Maybe don't bring your kids,” laughs Darryl Heater, who stars as Wayne Hopkins.
“Unless they have a good, mature sense of humour,” adds Rounding.
“It’s for your inner 12-year-old,” jokes Knight.
“...Not your real 12-year-old,” finishes Rounding.
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The actors who play the core trio at the centre of the story have great chemistry, reminiscent of the famous trio we know and love from the wizarding school that shan’t be named. Knight and Heater have worked together before, while Rounding is someone whose work they’ve admired.
“I would say it comes naturally because I fangirled over Mark,” explains Knight.
“I had seen him before, so even though I didn’t know him personally, I was blown away by his talent. There’s a part of me that just wanted to make sure I was respected by Mark.”
Rounding says the respect is mutual.
“I saw The Wolves, and Kyra was amazing in a dramatic role. Going into Puffs, seeing the person playing opposite you is a great dramatic actor. It’s a little intimidating until you actually get to know them,” says Rounding.
Puffs marks the return of Diversion Entertainment productions to Sarnia after about a ten-year hiatus.
Diversion Entertainment was founded to offer something different to the theatre community—smaller, quirkier shows to balance out the larger Theatre Sarnia productions at the Imperial Theatre.
“I felt there was room to do smaller, more offbeat shows, and even riskier productions, because we didn’t have to worry as much about losing an audience,” Leverre tells The Journal.
“We grew quickly, and audiences were great, but then it felt like we had to do bigger shows because we were in bigger venues. It just got to be a lot, and we decided to shut down for a bit. What we thought would be a couple of years ended up being ten.”
Ten years later, the stars have aligned for this production of Puffs, and the cast can’t wait for opening night on October 31.
“We thought opening night on Hallowe’en would either be wonderful or horrible, but we wanted to make it fun. So, we decided to encourage costumes…We’ll start the show half an hour earlier than usual, have a costume contest, bring people on stage, and give out some prizes,” says Leverre.
While there’s no pressure to come dressed as a character from the house you’d belong to if the Sorting Hat had its say, it’s always fun to know where everyone is sorted.
“I’ve done the quiz, and in the Puffs world, I’d definitely be in the smarts,” says Heater.
“I’m either a big bird or a big snake,” says Knight.
“Everyone wants to be a snake these days, but as a true Puff, I know I’m legit. Every quiz I’ve done says I’m not smart, not brave…just everything else. We’re just posers,” jokes Rounding.
“Ironically, I’m not a Puff. I matched the big bad perfectly...and even have the same wand. It wouldn’t shock any of my students,” laughs Leverre.
Event Details:
What: Puffs: Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
When: Thursday, October 31st, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Friday, November 1st, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 @7:00pm
Where: Sarnia Library Theatre, 124 Christina St S
Tickets: $20 (in advance) or $25 (at the door). Tickets can be bought online through Ticket Tailor
Special Note: JK Rowling is in no way affiliated with this play or production and her values are not shared by our cast, crew, or anyone affiliated with this show. She receives no compensation of any kind from the production of this show.