HARRY Potter star Matthew Lewis is among the cast of an Agatha Christie murder mystery coming to Wirral later this month.

The Leeds-born actor - who played Neville Longbottom in the blockbuster film series - plays student Lester Cole in The Agatha Christie Theatre Company's drama Verdict, which will be staged at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton from May 23-28 as part of its national tour.

It is the 21-year-old's first stage play and he told the Globe: "It's a world away from films because there are no close-ups or microphones.

"It's a small role, which means I'm part of a company and the story doesn't rest on me. So, it's not as daunting as you'd imagine."

One of Christie’s few original plays that is not based on a novel or short story, Verdict premiered in the West End in May 1958 and ran for 250 performances, before moving on to open in New York and Luxembourg.

It is about Professor Karl Hendryk, whose moral upstanding world is turned upside-down when the prospect of life-saving treatment for his invalid wife persuades him to take on a new pupil against his better judgement; the spoilt, conniving minx Helen who will stop at nothing to get her way.

With murderous intentions afoot, it remains to be seen what verdict will be delivered, and if justice will prevail.

Heading the cast is Susan Penhaligon, whose television credits include roles in Upstairs Downstairs, A Bouquet of Barbed Wire and Emmerdale.

She is joined by Robert Duncan, who played Gus Hedges in award-winning comedy Drop the Dead Donkey; Peter Byrne, who was in Dixon of Dock Green; Elizabeth Power, whose television credits inciude appearances in EastEnders, and 60's pop idol Mark Wynter.

Promotion of the final instalment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, is now on. Looking back on his time as Hogwarts student Neville Longbottom, Matthew said: "I've done Harry Potter for over a decade and so, of course, am sad that it's over. But you have to move on and do other things.

"To have been part of the series has been fantastic. I've met some wonderful people and worked in some amazing places.

"I did my A-Levels during the early films. I’m quite fortunate that Neville goes out on a bit of a high in the final film."

Asked if there was a plan b if the acting career had not worked out, Matthew replied: "That's a good question. I've been trying to figure that out for the last 10 years.

"I just like working and have been an actor since I was five and to be honest with you there never has been a plan 'b'. As long as I’m happy doing what I’m doing, then I'll carry on with it.

"If nothing as big as Harry Potter comes along again then it doesn’t matter, at least I'll have had a great time doing it. I'll become a jobbing actor, as long as it pays my mortgage!"

Tickets for Verdict are from the Floral Pavilion box office on 666 0000 or www.floralpavilion.com