Hoffman Directed 'RIFLEMIND' Opens at Trafalgar 9/18

Philip Seymour Hoffman will direct the European premiere of RIFLEMIND, a new play by Sydney Theatre Company Co Artistic Director Andrew Upton. RIFLEMIND will open at the Trafalgar Studios in the hubbub of London's West End on Thursday 18 September, following previews from 15 September.

Twenty years after their frontman, John, walked off stage for good, the iconic rock band Riflemind are set to get together again. For John (John Hannah), a reunion might be his second chance; for his wife Lynn (Susan Prior), it could be the end of the world as she knows it ... As the band descends upon John's country manor, one weekend fast becomes the ultimate test of talent, friendship and loyalty. 

"RIFLEMIND" originally premiered at the Sydney Theatre Company in 2007, directed by Hoffman. The West End season also features original Australian cast members Susan Prior, Steve Rodgers and Jeremy Sims alongside John Hannah and Paul Hilton. Ruth Gemmell will play 'Cindy'. Andrew Upton's most recent play, an adaptation of Gorky's "The Philistines", opened at the National Theatre in 2007 to critical acclaim.

John Hannah is best known for his roles in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Sliding Doors" and he is co-starring with Brendan Fraser in "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" (third in the "Mummy" film series). Theatre includes Neil LaBute's "The Mercy Seat" (Almeida) and "Miss Julie" (Young Vic). His television includes starring roles in "Rebus" and "Cold Blood". 

Paul Hilton has starred in many London stage productions including "Rosmersholm" at The Almeida Theatre, "The Wild Duck" directed by Michael Grandage at the Donmar Warehouse and "Mourning Becomes Electra" at the Royal National Theatre. His television credits include starring in "Medieval Heist" and "True Dare Kiss".

Ruth Gemmell has many West End, RSC and Royal National Theatre acting credits, including 'Mrs. Lynch' in "Coram Boy", 'Lady MacDuff' in "Macbeth" and 'Regan' in "King Lear". Her multitudinous television credits range from "Primeval" through "Trial & Retribution", "Waking the Dead", "Silent Witness" and "Dalziel & Pascoe" to "Holby City", "The Bill" and "Peak Practice". She played 'Sarah Hughes' opposite Colin Firth in the film "Fever Pitch" and she will soon be seen opposite Viggo Mortensen in the new film "Good".

"RIFLEMIND" will be produced in London by Howard Panter for The Ambassador Theatre Group Limited, Tulchin/Bartner Productions, Sweet Pea Productions, David Richenthal and Sydney Theatre Company. "RIFLEMIND" will launch a new phase of international collaboration for Trafalgar Studios as a unique producing house in the West End. Sydney Theatre Company, whose joint Artistic Directors are playwright Andrew Upton and his wife, actress Cate Blanchett, will join Trafalgar as an Associate Company of the venue. As an Associate Company, STC and Trafalgar will jointly develop new work, forming an international creative bridge in both directions. 

Performance times for "RIFLEMIND" at the Trafalgar Studios will be Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets, priced from £25 - £45, are available from the Trafalgar Studios box office on 0870 060 6632.

Photos of Paul Hilton, John Hannah, and Steve Rodgers by  Kerry Brown

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