Special Delivery from West London: Riverside Studios Is Absolutely Bursting This Season ✨
Now listen up, theatre lovers – Grace here, sliding through your inbox with the inside scoop on what’s kicking off at Riverside Studios this August and September. If you’re after top-notch theatre, comedy with heart, cabaret with sass, and stories that’ll punch you in the gut then tuck you in after – Riverside’s your destination, darling.
Let’s unpack this glorious postbag, shall we?
Live Next to the Apollo (27 June – 27 Feb)
This one’s a proper West London gem. A £6.50 Tuesday ticket gets you six rising comedy stars. And Fridays? That’s when the big names land – Live at the Apollo favourites Laura Smyth, Marcus Brigstocke, Esther Manito and more. Started by telly whiz Jonathan Stadlen, it’s got over 100 sold-out shows to its name and millions of views online. Plus, every single penny goes to the comics. Honestly, it’s more feel-good than a group hug.
Three Billion Letters (12–17 August)
Science meets storytelling with TAKDAJA’s dazzling DNA-deep dive into identity, heritage and belonging. Built from real genetic results, it’s part art, part science, and all soul.
Collapse (6–31 August)
Infertility, job stress, and one mysterious package – Collapse by Allison Moore throws Hannah into a 12-hour spiral of love, fear and WTF. Darkly funny and painfully real.
Yes I Am! (Saturdays: 16, 23, 30 Aug & 6 Sept)
SPID Theatre’s Helena Thompson takes us through 20 years of housing activism, mental health, and the fight for justice post-Grenfell. Expect fire, hope, and truth told with grace. It’s a show, a protest, and a restoration.
A Manchester Anthem (19 Aug–13 Sept)
Sticky floors, booming beats, and dreams of Oxford – Tommy’s got one last night in Manc to figure it all out. Winner of Pleasance Pick of VAULT. Press night: 20 August.
Our 1972 (21–24 August)
Set at a turning point in queer history, this love letter to Pride pioneers is back after a sell-out premiere. Think resistance, romance, and rising together.
Interview (23 Aug–27 Sept, Studio 2)
Robert Sean Leonard and Paten Hughes face off in a taut psychological thriller about truth, power and going viral. Influencer culture meets old-school journalism in this sharp two-hander.
Nook (23–24 August)
Mum’s died. The kids are back. And things are about to get… complicated. Family trauma, false memories, and one last game – this black comedy cuts deep.
A Midsummer Night’s Drink (28–29 August)
Shakespeare goes clubbing. Dream meets disco with queer love, dad dancing, and magical mischief set to 2000s bangers. Expect chaos. Glorious chaos.
Empire Strips Back (until 17 August)
Yes, it’s that one. Star Wars burlesque. Droids, dance, and cheeky parody – this is the (half-naked) force you’re looking for.
Shotgunned (12–28 Sept)
Love’s fizzled, and now what? A bittersweet look at the people we lose and the stories we keep. Fresh off a sell-out Fringe run.
Brown Girl Noise (16–18 Sept)
South Asian sisterhood takes centre stage – back and louder than ever. Spoken word, skits, sass and joy. A protest and a party. Press night: 17 Sept, 7.45pm.
Blessings (30 Sept–26 Oct)
The Deacon family’s Easter is one to remember. Secrets, silence, and simmering Catholic guilt in 1960s England. Cast includes Gary Webster, Emily Lane and Hannah Traylen. Press night: 2 Oct. Contact: Alison Duguid
Riverside’s Head of Programming Rhys Williamson puts it best:
“We’re celebrating everyone from the bold new voices to seasoned legends – all in an iconic setting where stories live and breathe.”
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your diary, grab your tickets, and get yourself to Hammersmith. This season, Riverside isn’t just programming theatre. They’re programming life.
– Grace Hatchell, Theatre Village
Delivering gossip, giggles and groundbreaking art – straight to your screen. 💌
About the Author
