Trans rights protestors gatecrash Harry Potter stage show as West End red carpet stormed by activists

One member of the group was spotted wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan “Rowling money kills,” in an attack on Harry Potter creator JK Rowling.

Theatre security quickly intervened by hauling the protesters away from the entrance area just moments before celebrities arrived to watch the performance.

Among the famous faces making their way along the carpet were TV presenter Vanessa Feltz, alongside Good Morning Britain’s Richard Arnold, quiz show favourite Anne Hegerty from The Chase, and broadcaster Angellica Bell.

The occasion was to mark the London debut of an overhauled version of the stage play, which has been condensed into a single performance running just under three hours.

The original production, which first opened in the West End in 2016, spanned more than five hours across two parts.

Audiences previously had the option of watching both halves back-to-back as a matinee and evening show, or splitting them across two separate nights.

The play, penned by Jack Thorne from a story he developed with Ms Rowling and director John Tiffany, serves as a sequel to the beloved book series.

Ms Rowling, 61, has attracted sustained criticism over her outspoken position on gender identity matters in recent years.

The author has declared that biological sex is “real” and “immutable,” while dismissing self-declared gender identity as “quasi-religious” and “anti-science.”

She has consistently rejected accusations of transphobia, stating that she respects “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them.”

Her stance has nevertheless created a rift with several prominent stars of the Harry Potter film franchise.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Eddie Redmayne have all publicly distanced themselves from her position on transgender issues.

Ms Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger in the films, has stated: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.”

Ms Rowling’s views have similarly torn the Harry Potter fanbase, triggering numerous boycotts and demonstrations directed at events and venues associated with the franchise.

However, Ms Rowling’s views haven’t stopped US broadcasting giant HBO from greenlighting an all-new TV series based on her books.

The first series, based on Ms Rowling’s debut Harry Potter novel, The Philosopher’s Stone, is set to premiere in December 2026.

Elsewhere, Ms Rowling’s critics were dealt a further blow this week when the BBC unveiled it had greenlit a two-part documentary series about the author.

Coming against the backdrop of BBC bosses censoring a pro-trans slogan on a Strictly contestant’s shirt, the corporation found itself on the receiving end of complaints from activists.