The first preview of the two-part Harry Potter and the Cursed Child plays was released by the production team earlier this week, and gives the premier glimpse of the actors at work to bring the Wizarding World back to life.

The cameras follow J.K. Rowling as she visits, tours and discusses the sequel to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in the play that takes place right off the epilogue. This means that the story is set during September 2017 at the very earliest.

As part of the production's need to keep plot and character information under wraps, the footage was released in black and white, to further cover up any color-specific spoilers that could be spotted in the on-set look.

Here's a bit of a breakdown of what is spotted during the clip, what it might mean, what's to come from Harry, Ron and Hermione as adults, and the tie to the 'Cursed Child' - Albus Potter. Do note that the music playing in the video is from composer Imogen Heap's actual score for the plays.





As author J.K. Rowling enters the Palace Theatre in London for rehearsals, she points out that secrets should remain intact for the production.





Rowling then meets up with director John Tiffany, and the pair watch the 34-strong cast rehearse for the two-part production beginning this June.



Here's a glimpse of some of the younger actors - presumably playing the likes of James, Lily and Albus Potter; Rose and Hugo Weasley; and Scorpius Malfoy - practicing their wand positions.



Interestingly, the main, darkened stage setting is a circular one, that is deliberately cut as such (the cast seems to line up around the perimeter of this circle for rehearsed scenes).



Rowling and Tiffany then meet with playwright Jack Thorne, who wrote the script for the two plays. Do note that it was not J.K. Rowling herself who wrote the actual book being released this July, but Thorne. The Harry Potter author of course came up with the original story for the Deathly Hallows sequel.





As Jo, John and Jack (let's call them the Three J's) discuss putting the production together, the cast can be seen rehearsing more scenes.

There also seems to be an outline of what looks like a fireplace on stage behind the three. Maybe Floo Powder transportation and/or communication comes into play?



Here's the first look at Paul Thornley, who plays Ron Weasley, on the set of the plays. He's definitely rather tall just like Ron is, so huge plus there. Here he's seen chatting with costars Nuno Silva and another (can't tell from this angle) - and unfortunately as of yet there's no word on who the two are playing.





Harry Potter is here! Here's the first look at Jamie Parker as our legendary hero, with messy hair and glasses intact. Doesn't look like makeup for the forehead scar has been added, but there's no doubt that Parker looks the part of a 37-year-old Harry. Here he's conversing with director John Tiffany.



A couple of actors clad in dark wizarding robes can be spotted in the background as Parker walks by.



Here we see Ron and Hermione together for the first time! Paul Thornley and Noma Dumezweni (Hermione) practice a wand scene on stage. Judging by the way they're positioned, it seems as though a spell/hex/curse is being hit from above them, or the two are casting a spell to something above their heads. Thornley/Ron is definitely looking up at something - whatever it is, we'll find out in a few short months.

Also notice the sets around the two - what looks like corridor walls on the left hand corner, as well as a cart full of what might be trunks (for Hogwarts, perhaps?). Several pillars line the stage as well, and it's hard to tell what those white-outlined pieces on the stage are (perhaps some kind of enchanted doors or windows?).



Thornley and Dumezweni hug it out in true Ron and Hermione fashion after rehearsing what looked like a tense scene. It also looks like drumsticks are standing in for the characters' actual wands (which the author revealed just days ago).

Next to them is costar Cherrelle Skeete, who is bent over for the scene (in the previous shot). Perhaps she might be playing their eldest child, Rose Weasley?



Here Noma Dumezweni is seen chatting between costar Silva between takes. Between her and Paul Thornley spotted speaking with Silva, maybe he plays someone close to Ron and Hermione? Maybe George, or Neville?





Another, clearer, shot of Jamie Parker as Harry during rehearsals.





The feature ends with a curious choreographed shot of adult and younger cast members picking up trunks or suitcases and moving in circular sync to the outside of the stage.



J.K. Rowling comments in the clip about how Harry Potter fans won't give up spoilers for the play as previews begin. This seems pretty unlikely in the internet age as: 1) most people won't be able to go to London to see the two-part production; 2) fans will want to know details of the plot before the script book releases on July 31st.

Pre-order the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child script book hardcover text on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and WBShop now.