Philip Seymour Hoffman takes the helm of Riflemind in London

Philip Seymour Hoffman, seen in this photo at the Cannes film festival in May 2008, will direct the London premiere of Riflemind, which opens in London next month. (Matt Sayles/Associated Press)

Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman will direct Riflemind, which opens in London's West End next month.

With its American director, the production will be an international collaboration for London's Trafalgar Studios, where it will open Sept. 18, with initial bookings through Jan. 3.

Riflemind was written by Andrew Upton, co-director of the Sydney Theatre Co. and husband of Cate Blanchett, and it premiered in Sydney, Australia, in 2007.

Its story centres around an iconic rock band that stages a comeback gig 20 years after its members split up.

It will star Scottish actor John Hannah, of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame, in the leading role, and will feature original Australian cast members Susan Prior, Steve Rogers and Jeremy Sims.

Hoffman, 41, who won an Academy Award in 2006 for best actor for the title role in Capote, is co-artistic director of the LAByrinth Theatre Company in New York.

With files from the Associated Press  

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