Live owls banned from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child after one escapes

Barn owls will no longer feature in the play Credit: PA

Live owls have been banned from the new Harry Potter play after one escaped into the audience.

It happened during Tuesday’s preview of part one, when an owl escaped into the auditorium instead of returning to its handler at the Palace Theatre in the West End.

A sign at the theatre on Thursday for a screening of part two of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child informed the audience "there are no real birds featured in the production".

Part one of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was shown to an audience for the first time on Tuesday Credit: PA
The play officially opens on July 30 Credit: PA

Animal charity Peta has welcomed the move, saying it is a "huge relief for all Harry Potter fans who care about animals".