Teenage film star Daniel Radcliffe has thrown off Harry Potter's invisibility cloak to appear naked on a London stage in the psychological thriller Equus.

Radcliffe, who found fame as the young wizard in the Potter films, plays a troubled stable boy who ritualistically blinds horses.

He says he has no qualms about baring all on stage.

"After the first couple of previews, I didn't really care anymore," he told Reuters Television.

Asked about all the publicity over his nude scenes, Radcliffe replied: "It all seemed to imply the nudity was gratuitous which it isn't at all."

Last night he won a standing ovation at London's Gielgud Theatre and fellow actors who came to watch were full of praise for his courage in taking on such a gruelling role.

"I am so impressed with his choice of play and the career Daniel Radcliffe is having," Hollywood star Christian Slater told Reuters.

"It is an incredible part for a young actor. He is taking a big risk," British actor Richard E Grant said.

However one famous face was missing on opening night - JK Rowling, author of the Potter books that became a global publishing phenomenon before being turned into box office hits.

But Radcliffe says "she is is coming to see it at some point. I don't think she objected in any way. She was very happy to see me going off and doing something else."

- Reuters