RECENTLY, he’s been seen conjuring up spells as the Minister for Magic in the Harry Potter movies.

But Robert Hardy is set to swap Hogwarts for Hampshire when he performs at Romsey Abbey next month.

The acclaimed actor, who starred as Cornelius Fudge in the film adaptations of the Harry Potter books, is coming to the town to appear in a performance of The Play of Herod.

Hardy, who also starred in BBC vet drama, All Creatures Great and Small, will narrate the production as Tom the Shepherd, a witness to the Nativity of Jesus and the actions of Herod the Great.

The 83-year-old starred in the same show in Oxford in November and jumped at the chance to take part when organisers said they were staging it again.

Julien Chilcott-Monk, who wrote the script especially for the veteran actor, said: “I would have thought there will be a great deal of interest. We are certainly expecting a packed Romsey Abbey.

“He enjoyed the performance in Oxford so much that he wanted to take the opportunity to do it again.”

His performance, on June 6, at 7.30pm, will be accompanied by the Vox Humana and Gregoriana choir. Tickets are available from Romsey Heritage Centre.