A kids’ ballet school in London hoping to stage a ten-minute performance based on Harry Potter characters was surprised to be turned down by the author. “We are delighted to hear of your pupils’ enthusiasm for the series but we should tell you that the rights in respect to a live theatrical or musical production are reserved to the author and are subject to a contractual hold-back with Warner Bros until 2007. It would therefore not be possible for you to continue with your plans at this time I am afraid. I am very sorry for this disappointing response.”