Such is the ever-growing reputation of the Orange Tree Theatre, actors are virtually queuing up to perform at London's only permanent in-the-round playhouse.

That was certainly the case for Genevieve Gaunt, who is currently starring in an adaptation of Terence Rattigan's French Without Tears.

And, once again, the 172-capacity theatre in Richmond has hit the headlines as glowing reviews flood in for the latest instalment of artistic director Paul Miller's reign.

Gaunt says: "I have always wanted to work with Paul and I have always wanted to perform at the Orange Tree.

"This is my first professional theatre job and the space here is fantastic.

"The audience really does become the last character in the play, they just give us so much every performance."

French Without Tears focuses on the flirtatious Diana, who appears to revel in toying with the affections of several men at any one time.

Gaunt plays the role with conviction and, despite her character's insaciable desire to be wanted to men, portrays Diana to be strong and independent nonetheless.

It is effectively a romantic comedy but, as with most of Rattigan's work, it has layers to keep the audience enticed.

Gaunt says: "I was sent the script before the audition and thought it sounded so fresh and funny.

"I am a huge fan of Rattigan and French Without Tears is a play that used to be done a lot.

"Diana is such a minx, full of contradictions and complexities, she is young and well aware of her ability to lure men.

"But she is quite vulnerable and innocent as well."

Perhaps the play could be accused of being overly sweet in places but it is undoubtedly a timeless piece of theatre.

And while it may be Gaunt's first professional stage role, she is an experienced hand when it comes to acting in front of a camera.

Her first employment came, aged 12, in the role of Pansy Parkinson in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - something she remembers fondly.

She says: "It was really magical, I remember vividly my final audition because I was asked to improvise a scene.

"I invented that my character would have a pet bat and I was taken to see the set manager who gave me a fruit bat to use.

"I was giving it little bits of banana off my finger."

French Without Tears might not have the magic of Harry Potter but it certainly charms its audience and is well worth a watch.

See it at the Orange Tree Theatre before it closes on November 21. Visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk for tickets and details.