Warwick Davis Appears on ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’

Feb 07, 2017

Posted by: Dawn Johnson

Davis, Films, HP Cast, Movies, News, Television Programmes

Warwick Davis, known to Harry Potter fans as the Hogwarts Charms instructor and choir director, Professor Flitwick, will feature on an upcoming episode of BBC One’s Who Do You Think You Are? The genealogy program will take Davis to Bury St. Edmunds’ historic Athenaeum, as he explores his own musical legacy.

Davis’ search focused on his great-great-grandfather, Dennis Manning. Manning was a violinist with Pell’s American Opera Troupe in the mid-nineteenth century. Davis’ connection to this troupe led him to the Athenaeum, which was known to host a wide variety of entertainers and shows.

The Athenaeum’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Julie Hepton, said of Davis’ visit to the venue:

“[He] enjoyed treading the same boards his ancestor trod more than 150 years ago.”

Jo Rayner, the borough cabinet member for leisure and culture, added:

“The grand Georgian building has been a focus for the prosperous town and in active use since its opening and the ornate ballroom has changed very little since Dennis played here.”

davisathaneum

We wonder if Davis felt a bit of a spring in his step, then, when ambling through the marvelous building. After all, it’s an amusing irony to discover that an acting role had more basis in fact than realized. Since musical talent runs in the family, perhaps he was even tempted to channel Flitwick’s own talents while standing where his musician ancestor stood!

Of course, the East Anglian Daily Times does indicate there are some surprises in store–particularly as regards the full nature of Manning’s act. Fans will have to tune in to Who Do You Think You Are? when it airs February 15th to find out exactly what that means and how Davis responds.

To read the full article covering the popular show and its featured guest, Warwick Davis, click here.

Photograph courtesy of Steven Perry.





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.