Dumbledore. Grindelwald. Lestrange. Flamel. Nagini. The above is a disparate series of Wizarding World names and references. When you look at these names like this, you acknowledge that they are relevant to the Harry Potter franchise. You acknowledge they are important parts of its history. Do you care that I’ve written this random list of […]
JK Rowling
What’s the hype? – Harry Potter
Let’s get this cleared up right off the bat: I do not hate fun. I’m not one of those people who hates on popular things to try and increase their edginess. You won’t find me writing a think-piece about why Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again signals the downfall of culture (if anything, it heightens […]
Voluntourism: A Force for Exploitation?
“Iwill never retweet appeals that treat poor children as opportunities to enhance Westerners CVs”. Those were the words of author J.K. Rowling in a stream of tweets in August 2016 after she was asked to endorse a charity offering volunteer opportunities in orphanages. This condemnation of the growing trend of young volunteers from wealthy countries, […]
Pretty Firehouse Lies
I’ve never been to this pub in my life”: A simple sentence with a crushing sentiment. When JK Rowling tweeted last week “if you want real fantasy go to an estate agent” in response to the legendary Firehouse being snapped up for £3-4 million by PLC, the legend of Rowling taking inspiration for the Leaky […]
J.K. Rowling denies The Old Firehouse as inspiration for The Leaky Cauldron
JK Rowling has denied that The Leaky Cauldron was based on The Old Firehouse. It has been a long-standing urban myth that she used to frequent Firehouse. The pubs Ye Olde vibes, winding stairs and big oak tables definitely feel like somewhere Harry, Hermione and Ron would frequent. But, in a tweet this morning, J.K […]
Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
I am not afraid to admit that my first ever midnight premiere, and my latest midnight premiere, have been for Harry Potter films. Ever as excited as I was in July 2011 to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, I sat down to Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them with eagerness and intrigue, at […]
Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
July 2002: seven-year-old me’s just finished a new journal entry, tallying how many times I’ve read each Harry Potter book. So far we’re on eight. Fast forward to summer 2005? You’ll find one pale 10-year-old refusing to leave the hotel room. Mum and Dad aren’t buying her ‘stomach ache.’ They know she’s hooked on Half […]
JK Rowling turns down SSB invite
Exeter’s legendary, truly magical alumnus JK Rowling has rejected a free ticket to this year’s Safer Sex Ball. Event organiser Pierre G H Keyzar said: “If you fancy re-visiting Exeter, hit us up Jo-Jo.” However, author JK replied thanking Pierre for his “kind invitation” and wished him fun. Sadly, Rowling said she is “three decades […]