Harry Potter To Make West End Theatre Debut

Harry Potter, who has already cast his spell in print and on the big screen, is to make his theatre debut in London next year, his creator JK Rowling has revealed.

The blockbusting author took to Twitter to announce the return of the famous boy wizard in a stage production called Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.

The play, which will open next summer, is the result of a collaboration between herself, writer Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany.

While not wanting to give too much away and spoil it for the legions of loyal Potter fans, Rowling disclosed it was not a prequel.

And in a tantalising hint she said it would be about an "untold part of Harry's story".

Rowling made the announcement on the 18th anniversary of the UK publication of her debut novel and the first in the Harry Potter series - Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.

Since then her seven Harry Potter novels have sold more than 450 million copies around the world, and given rise to an eight-part film franchise that has grossed more than $7bn (£4.4bn) at the global box office.

In a series of Twitter posts, Rowling said: "Today is a very special day for two reasons.

"Firstly, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone was published in the UK 18 years ago!

"I'm also very excited to confirm today that a new play called Harry Potter And The #CursedChild will be opening in London next year."

She added: "I don't want to say too much more, because I don't want to spoil what I know will be a real treat for fans.

"However, I can say that it is not a prequel!"

Rowling also said in a post: "To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question - why isn't #CursedChild a new novel? - I am confident that when audiences see the play...they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story."