Riflemind - Trafalgar Studios

SYNOPSIS

Riflemind

Trafalgar Studios on Whitehall in London is the venue for writer Andrew Upton's dramatic and sometimes explosive new play - Riflemind. Starring one of Britain's most recognisable actors, John Hannah - of Four Weddings and a Funeral / The Mummy franchise, the show offers up a witty yet gritty insight into the issue of middle age angst, and the baggage that comes with it.

Back in the good 'ole days

Riflemind is (was once) an iconic rock band, fronted by John (played by John Hannah). Twenty years ago, with the band in their prime, John walked off stage for the last time and left the band. Now, in their forties, the ageing rockers who once were so full of the dream of making it big, are realising that life is passing them by. Cue the reunion!

Riflemind's ex-band members arrange to meet for a weekend at John's country mansion - he did very well out of the band the first time around! Thus ensues a play that is high on emotion, comedy and conflict in a situation that reflects on the two sides of middle age desire: the thirst to be young again and the comfort of stability.

Riflemind is an original play written by Australian playwright, Andrew Upton. The play premiered in Australia starring Hugo Weaving in the lead role. Upton and wife Cate Blanchett are co-artistic directors of the production company behind Riflemind - the Sydney Theatre Company.

Philip Seymour Hoffman directs the London production of Riflemind. Hoffman comes to London on the back of directing the Australian production of the play. Other direction credits include Charlie Wilson's War, Capote, and Jesus Hopped the A Train in the West End.

John Hannah

Scottish actor John Hannah takes Riflemind's lead role in the London production at Trafalgar Studios. John Hannah first came to prominence in the much acclaimed 1994 box office hit Four Weddings and a Funeral, in which he played the memorable 'Matthew' - confidant and lover of Auden quotes! In Sliding Doors (1998) he took the male lead role opposite actress Gwyneth Paltrow. However, his most famous role has been that of bumbling toff Jonathan Carnahan in the trilogy of The Mummy films.

On TV John Hannah's work included a stint as Rebus in an adaptation of the detective series from Ian Rankin's novels. Latterly he has become the face of Virgin Atlantic in their promotion of the new Upper Class Wing at Heathrow airport in London.

Riflemind opened at Trafalgar Studios on 15 September. Scheduled performances are Monday - Saturday evenings with matinee performances on Thursdays and Saturdays.