J.K. Rowling has made the Pottersphere come alive this morning with the announcement of a Harry Potter stage show that will open in London's West End next year.

Titled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the play will tell an "untold part" of the boy wizard's story, including the story of the lives of his murdered parents.

However the British author stressed "it is not a prequel" as she declared the news on Twitter.

"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."

Rowling addressed the inevitable question, "Why isn't Cursed Child a novel?" writing that "I am confident that when audiences see the play they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story."

Having been offered countless opportunities to extend the Harry Potter franchise, it seems Rowling gave the go ahead on the production after "a dream team" of theatre director John Tiffany, writer Jack Thorne and theatre producer Sonia Friedman came together for the new work.

The production will run at the Palace Theatre in summer 2016 and tickets will go on sale this autumn.

Read how Rowling made the big announcement on Twitter below.

J.K. Rowling announces Harry Potter play to open in London next year