The magical world of Harry Potter has not been immune to muggle-world economics, as the acclaimed stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child suffered a significant financial blow. Newly filed accounts reveal the show's sales slumped by more than £10 million during its latest financial year.
Financial Figures Reveal a Spell of Decline
Accounts for the HPCC Group, which manages the rights to the theatrical spectacle, show turnover plummeted from £41.3 million to £30.3 million in the 12 months to 31 March 2025. This sharp decline came despite the show's global presence, with productions running in London, New York, Hamburg, and Tokyo, plus a North American tour launched in September 2024.
The number of tickets sold also dipped, falling from 544,257 in the previous year to 533,125. For the flagship London production at the Palace Theatre, turnover decreased from £23.4m to £22.1m. On a slightly brighter note, pre-tax losses for the London operation narrowed considerably, falling from £889,345 to £122,937.
Economic Pressures Hit Theatrical Sector
In a statement, the board behind the London show directly linked the downturn to wider economic challenges. They cited the rising cost of living as a key pressure on audiences, reflecting a broader trend affecting the entire UK theatre industry.
The group explained the revenue fall was due to "the non-repeat of licence fee income and broader economic pressures impacting both audience and the wider theatrical sector". It noted that income from the new US tour helped to offset some of these losses.
Impact on JK Rowling's Theatrical Interests
The financial ripple effect extended to the author's own interests. Accounts for HPTP Holdings, which shows JK Rowling's financial stake in the productions, were also made public. Its turnover was slashed from £12.6 million to £5.7 million for the year ending 31 March 2025. Consequently, its pre-tax profit fell from £4.2 million to £1 million.
This continues a downward trend from the previous year. The show is owned by Harry Potter Theatrical Productions—founded by Rowling and Neil Blair in 2013—and Sonia Friedman Productions.
In separate but related news, Brontë Film and Television, the production company co-founded by Rowling and Blair, saw its total equity increase from £2.4m to £2.9m in the same period. This company is involved in producing the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.
