Riverside Studios announces star-studded 50th Anniversary season

The Riverside Studios arts complex in West London is celebrating its 50th anniversary with Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Lenny Henry, and the cast of Goodness Gracious Me.

Riverside Studios has unveiled the first of its special events to mark its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of arts across theatre, TV, and the visual arts.

First opening in 1976, the Hammersmith venue will celebrate its golden jubilee with a 2026 season that will welcome back several legendary figures who helped shape the venue’s history.

“For half a century Riverside Studios has been a launchpad for groundbreaking work across theatre, film, comedy and the visual arts. This anniversary season honours that legacy while reaffirming our commitment to championing new voices.” – Rhys Williamson, Head of Programming

‘In Conversation’ Events

The anniversary programme kicks off with a series of high-profile fundraising talks:

Dame Helen Mirren in Conversation (15 March 2026): The Oscar-winning actress returns to the venue where she starred in Peter Gill’s acclaimed Measure for Measure in 1979. Mirren will discuss her storied career with director and producer Simon Curtis (Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale).
Sir Lenny Henry in Conversation (14 April 2026): Following his sold-out stand-up run at Riverside in 1988, Sir Lenny Henry joins broadcaster Gyles Brandreth for a career retrospective. The event will be recorded for Brandreth’s popular Rosebud podcast.
Goodness Gracious Me in Conversation (26 April 2026): Original stars Nina Wadia, Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE, and Kulvinder Ghir reunite with producer Jon Plowman CBE. The session explores the legacy of the revolutionary sketch show, which actually began its life at Riverside Studios in 1995 as the live show Peter Sellers is Dead.
Gyles Brandreth – Up Memory Lane (28 June): A veteran of three Riverside productions, Brandreth returns for a personal trip through his life and backstage tales, joined by podcast producer Harriet Jaine.

Art and Exhibitions

From 17 March to 3 May 2026 the studios will host Pull Focus, an exhibition celebrating 40 years of the Riverside Artists Group (RAG). Curated by Katharine Meynell, the showcase features work from 33 current members, blending the group’s 1986 origins with its contemporary identity in the redeveloped building.