A new Harry Potter play is opening in the West End.

The stage show, called 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child', will debut at the Palace Theatre in the heart of London in summer 2016 with tickets set to go on sale this autumn.

The show will follow the lives of the boy wizard's doomed parents, Lily and James Potter, and their death at the hands of Lord Voldermort, which results in a baby Harry being sent to live with Lily's cruel sister Petunia Dursley, her husband Vernon and their bullying son Dudley.

The play has been penned by Potter author J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, who will also be directing the show.

While the cast is yet to be announced, producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender are said to be on the lookout for the leads and informal auditions are currently being held, reports the Daily Mail newspaper.

The 49-year-old writer took to her Twitter to announce the news but refused to reveal too much about the play for fear of spoiling the story.

She tweeted: ''I'm very excited to confirm today that a new play called Harry Potter and the #CursedChild will be opening in London next year.

''It will tell a new story, which is the result of a collaboration between writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany and myself. #CursedChild

''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. #CursedChild

''However, I can say that it is not a prequel! #CursedChild. (sic)''

Rowling also revealed the reason behind her decision to add to Harry's story in a play format instead of releasing a new novel.

She explained: ''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. #CursedChild

''I've had countless offers to extend Harry's story over the years, but Jack, John and Sonia Friedman are a dream team! #CursedChild

''It has been a huge pleasure to share with them (and soon, with you!) this untold part of Harry's story. #CursedChild. (sic)''