Hugh Laurie has appeared in the first official photo from Mr Pip, a film adaptation of best-selling novel Mr Pip, Digital Spy said.

The film will be Laurie's first big-screen role since the end of Fox's House, and will debut at the Toronto Film Festival in September.

The British actor is seen looking pensive on the beach alongside his co-star Xzannjah Matsi in the photo.

Oscar-nominated Shrek writer Andrew Adamson will direct from his own script, which is based on the original novel by Lloyd Jones.

The story centres on a man who opens a school in war-ravaged Bougainville, Papua New Guinea and reads Great Expectations to his students.

Mr Pip has yet to have an official release date, but is expected to be purchased for distribution following its festival premiere.

Hugh Laurie recently signed up for the upcoming remake of RoboCop.