JEFFREY Archer is known for many things -- novels, TV dramas, personal dramas.

He's certainly made his mark and, like him or loathe him, he's a man you can't ignore.

Now he's about to hit the Manchester stage in a play he's not only written but appears in.

And it's a play with a twist.

The Accused, showing at the Palace Theatre, is described by Archer as a tense courtroom drama with a difference.

"The audience will act as the jury," he says from his London office, "just as if they were in the criminal court at the Old Bailey."

This is a play that requires the audience to play an active part in the proceedings.

They will have to decide if Dr Sherwood murdered his wife, was Jennifer his mistress and which of his alibis should be believed.

No stranger to courtroom drama himself, Archer is convinced the choices will keep people on the edge of their seats.

He says: "At the end of the trial the audience will be invited to deliver their verdict of guilty or not guilty.

"Once they have made that decision, the play will continue -- with one of two different endings, depending on the verdict."

Did the idea for the play come from Archer's personal experience?

"I've long had an idea for such a play," he says. "One where the audience can interact with the actors.

"But, of course I needed a storyline. As soon as I'd thought of one I set about writing the play. It's taken nine months to complete."

Archer says he sought advice from Gilbert Gray QC, who's acted as advisor throughout.

"Gilbert has dealt with 504 murder cases," says Archer, "so he's been the perfect man for the job."

The Accused opens in Windsor before coming to Manchester -- a city Archer says has offered much support for his two previous plays.

"My plays have always sold out in Manchester," he says.

"So I have high hopes for this one."

Because of the play's finale, the cast -- which apart from Archer includes Tony Britten and Edward Petterbridge -- have rehearsed two endings and , because of this, Archer admits no performance will be the same.

"The audience call the shots," he says. "And it's certainly one to keep them on the edge of their seats."