Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Noma Dumezweni responds to critics after being cast as Hermione Granger

"To say it's not as it was intended is so unimaginative."

Noma Dumezweni plays author JK Rowling's character Hermione Granger in a stage adaptation of her works (Getty)

Noma Dumezweni has hit out at those who criticised her being cast as Hermione Granger in new production Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.

The British-raised actress, who was born in Swaziland, kept quiet amidst the announcement but has finally spoken out. "It stems from ignorance," she told Evening Standard.

"They don't want to be a part of the creative act. To say it's not as it was intended is so unimaginative."

Dumezweni will appear in the play as an adult version of the character played by Emma Watson in the film adaptations of JK Rowling's groundbreaking novels.

She continued: "I don't think they understand how theatre works. We're here to heal you, make you smile and whisk you away."

Both Rowling and Watson have backed the casting decision, taking to Twitter to show their support.

The actress is also championing a project designed by Warwick University's Jami Rogers to celebrate forgotten Shakespearean performances by ethnic minority actors.

The online database has compiled over 1,000 productions beginning with black actor Paul Robeson, who played Othello in London's West End back in 1930, and is due to be launched in the States on 15 January.

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child opens at the Palace Theatre in July.