Theatre’s ‘Puffs’ show focuses on the lesser-known Hufflepuffs in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World throughout her Harry Potter series. The show was wonderfully executed and drew on the importance of friendship and honesty over fame and glory. 

It followed a narration-like play format, with the narrator, Wayna (Charlotte Resneder), describing the life of Wayne Hopkins (Duncan Bostick), the anti-Harry Potter. At Hogwarts, he meets Oliver Rivers (Keidrian Clarke), a mathematician wizard from New Jersey, and Meghan Jones (Lauren Givens), daughter of Death Eater Xavia Jones (Amelia Nugnet). Together, they form a trio that parallels Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s friendship. 

The play used color to differentiate houses and settings, making it easy for the audience to understand and follow through. Yellow represented the Hufflepuffs, symbolizing their happy, honest natures.

Additionally, placement was key to promoting family and friendship in the play. When chanting their slogan “We are not a threat, please be our friend” in times of danger, all the Hufflepuffs huddle together, representing their collective, family-like mentality. 

(picture of harry strutting backstage)

Meanwhile, Harry Potter (Max Blackwell) is portrayed as an idiotic, glory-seeking student that simply happens to be in the right place at the right time during his “famous” exploits. Cedric Diggory (Caleb Wright)  is instead portrayed as the “hero” and embodies a care-taking persona over his house, becoming someone Wayne looks up to. 

In the end, the audience is rooting for the Hufflepuffs during the Battle of Hogwarts, not Potter and the Gryffindors. Family, hard work and honesty are shown to be the true saviors of Hogwarts and the Wizarding Community as the Hufflepuffs destroy the Death Eaters while Potter finds the Horcruxes.