(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Ralph Fiennes will appear in a London theatre production of The Tempest this autumn.

The 48-year-old British star is well-known for appearing in hit movies such as The Reader, The Hurt Locker and The English Patient, although he is also fond of treading the boards and is an accomplished stage actor.

Ralph will portray lead character Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, in the upcoming rendition of 17th-century playwright William Shakespeares famous play.

It has been reported that Ralph is under contract for a ten-week season, which will kick off at the end of August this year.

The piece will be directed by acclaimed British theatre-and-film director Trevor Nunn, and will show at Londons Theatre Royal Haymarket. It is thought that Trevor is still in the process of selecting the rest of the cast.

The Tempest tells the story of an exiled Duke who plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place. It is often cited as one of the greatest Shakespearian works.

The play will see Ralph return to the London stage for the first time in three years. He starred in Oedipus the King at the citys National Theatre in 2008. (C) Cover Media