Sometimes, timing is unavoidable. On

Sometimes, timing is unavoidable. On the week when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone had its opening-weekend box-office record smashed by a spider, its studio launched the Prince of Hogwarts on DVD, aiming at a whole new record.

It was splendid to see this group of youngsters oozing theatrical talent. Even though none of them was over 14, their rendition was masterly in its own way. Amateurs, no doubt, they certainly put up an astute performance. “They” denotes children of the ES N ES school, a venture launched in 1991. The occasion: celebration of the first decade of the school. The play: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, based on the book of the same title by J K Rowling.

Select branches of Toys R Us are opening at midnight tonight to sell the new Harry Potter video and DVD. The first 50 customers at each store will get a free audio cassette of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone read by Stephen Fry. Stores opening at midnight include Brent Cross, Croydon, Medway, Southampton, Bristol, Oldbury, Warrington, Metro Centre, Leeds and Edinburgh.