Riverside Studios has officially unveiled its full autumn programme for its landmark 50th anniversary year. Located in Hammersmith, the iconic West London venue is celebrating half a century of artistic innovation with a diverse line-up of bold new writing, returning theatrical hits, and contemporary performances from both emerging and established global voices.
A major highlight of the golden anniversary is "REP: RADICAL CLASSICAL" in Studio 3, running from 8 September to 10 October 2026. This unique repertory company features five actors performing five classic plays over five weeks, paying homage to the legendary creatives who have shaped the venue’s history. The season opens with Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, referencing Peter Gill’s historic 1978 staging, and includes Molière’s The School for Wives, Jean Racine’s Phaedra, William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure—originally staged at Riverside in 1979 starring Helen Mirren—and Dario Fo’s The Virtuous Burglar.
The autumn lineup also features Romeo and Hamed (2–6 September), a queer, lyrical verse reimagining of Shakespeare set in Croydon, followed by the highly anticipated transfer of the comedy-drama IMITATIONS (15 September–3 October). In October, the award-winning solo show CADEL: Lungs On Legs (13 October–15 November) will see performer Connor Delves literally pedal on a bicycle throughout the show to depict the true story of cycling legend Cadel Evans. November brings the surreal courtroom dance-drama Are You Even Indian?, exploring a cross-cultural marriage.
Additionally, Tony Award-winning director Andy Sandberg will helm a major five-play Mainstage season in Studio 2 running from September 2026 to July 2027. This ambitious program features Sandberg's own Affluenza, followed by Sacrilegious by Tom Schulman—the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Dead Poets Society— and Expecting by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola. Bringing international flavor, the spiritual dance-drama The Song of Grace will also make its UK premiere from 9 to 13 September.
