London - Harry Potter, the world's most famous boy wizard, is set to make his debut on the London stage next year in a new play called the Cursed Child, which has been created in collaboration with author J.K. Rowling.

Rowling said on her Twitter feed that the new play was the result of a collaboration with writer Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany.

"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," she said on Twitter. "However, I can say that it is not a prequel!"

One of the world's best-selling authors, Rowling said she had had countless offers to extend the Harry Potter story over the years, but felt the play was the only proper medium for a new story.

Tickets for the play, which will open in the second half of next year at the Palace Theatre, go on sale later this year. More ticketing details will be announced on the play's official website late next month.

The author had previously announced plans for a theatrical production in 2013, exploring the untold story of Harry's early years as an outcast and orphan. Her seven Potter novels have sold more than 450 million copies around the world and spawned an eight-part film franchise that grossed more than US$7 billion (S$9.4 billion) at the worldwide box office.

Reuters