What’s in Grace’s Satchel?
Riverside Studios invites us to Try January (and honestly… why not?)
January gets a bad rap. Cold. Dark. Everyone pretending they love kale.
But Riverside Studios has looked January square in the face and said: “Actually, let’s make this fun.”
The iconic West London venue has unveiled its Try January programme, and it’s bursting at the seams with theatre, workshops, wellness, music and cinema — the sort of line-up that makes you want to leave the house even when the sofa is whispering your name.
From plant holders and puppetry to Tarantino marathons and bold new plays, Riverside is making a strong case for starting the year curious, creative, and just a little bit braver.
Try January: wellness, making and moving (no Lycra panic required)
First up, Riverside is easing us into the year with a tempting spread of wellness activities, creative workshops and dance classes, all designed to welcome actual humans — not just people who already own yoga blocks.
Hanging Plant Holder Workshop
Saturday 17 January
Fancy bringing a bit of calm (and greenery) into your home? This relaxed, hands-on session led by CURATE & MORE invites you to design and make your own one-off hanging plant holder. All materials are included, expert guidance is on hand, and no prior experience is required. Just turn up and potter.
Move Better: Dance Foundations for Everybody
Sunday 11 – Sunday 25 January
A feel-good class that’s all about ease, confidence and body awareness. Drawing from contemporary dance, street styles, hip hop and improvisation, these sessions use clear guidance, great music and progressive repetition to help you move better — not just in class, but in everyday life. All levels are welcome.
Beaded Jewellery Workshop
Sunday 11 – Sunday 18 January 2026
Led by third-generation vintage dealer Clair Green, this workshop offers the chance to repair, recreate or completely reimagine sentimental beaded jewellery. All tools and materials are provided, and the practical skills learned are designed to last long after the session ends.
These workshops sit alongside previously announced Try January favourites, including Beat the Stress: Djembe Drumming for Adults, The Jolly Djembe Club, Sound Bath: Total Relaxation, Pilates with Athena, Line Dancing, and Yoga for All from Lumi Foundation.
Marker Sessions: for makers, performers and theatre folk
Riverside continues its commitment to artist development with its Marker Sessions workshops, offering practical, hands-on training for performers, writers and theatre-makers.
Introduction to Puppetry Workshop
Thursday 22 January
Led by acclaimed puppetry duo The Horgles, this workshop introduces the fundamentals of puppetry for live theatre.
Fight Performance for Theatre
Sunday 11 January
Led by Lucy Wordsworth, this session introduces performers of all levels to basic unarmed stage combat in a safe, supportive environment.
Writing Dialogue
Sunday 18 January
Award-winning writer and dramaturg Nick Dawkins explores how dialogue reveals character, theme and story, supporting writers to refine their voice through discussion and practical insight.
Mime Principles
Saturday 31 January
Led by Francesca Fatichenti and Tom Perry, this workshop explores core mime techniques including manipulation, fixed point and physical storytelling, reconnecting participants with their bodies and expanding how they communicate narrative through movement.
These complete an already rich programme that also includes For Us, By Us: Workshop Series, Riverscribes: Introduction to Screenwriting, The Self-Producing Artist, and Young Riverscribes.
Theatre: bold new writing and intimate solo work
January at Riverside is also packed with theatre that leans into honesty, vulnerability and fresh voices.
Monkeyface
Thursday 8 and Saturday 10 January
Writer-performer Raphael Phillips makes a bold debut with this sharp, searching play following a young student navigating the euphoric highs and crushing lows of Freshers’ Week. Toxic friendships, club culture and the aching need for connection sit alongside themes of racism, mental health and loneliness.
Please note: the production contains strong language, references to drug use, sexual content and themes of racism and mental health.
The Seat of Me
Tuesday 13 – Wednesday 14 January
An intimate, poetic piece by Giulia that blends storytelling, physicality, humour and live fragments of Edith Piaf’s music, exploring memory, identity and the moments that shape us.
Too Small to Tell
Monday 16 February – Wednesday 4 March
Written and performed by Lisa Rose, this powerful and darkly funny solo show is inspired by her experiences working for a now-notorious film mogul in the 1990s. Following sold-out performances at Park Theatre and Upstairs at the Gatehouse, the play was shortlisted for Best New Play at Brighton Fringe 2025.
Music
Bossa Nova Night: A Tribute to João Gilberto
Saturday 31 January
Acclaimed Brazilian guitarist and vocalist Mario Bakuna presents an intimate evening celebrating the pioneer of Bossa Nova, through elegant reinterpretations and original compositions.
Cinema: from Tarantino to TV legends
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood + Q&A
Saturday 10 January
Following a screening of Quentin Tarantino’s film, author Jay Glennie joins Riverside Studios to discuss his book The Making of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Copies will be available to purchase in the foyer.
This event forms part of the Quentin Tarantino Weekender running from 10–11 January, alongside:
Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 January
Quentin Tarantino’s legendary revenge saga is presented in one epic cinematic event, uniting Volumes 1 and 2 with a never-before-seen scene. Ticketholders can enjoy 20 percent off the adult price when booking both Tarantino events on the same weekend.
Hancock XI
Saturday 31 January
Screening as part of the Made at Riverside TV strand, celebrating the studio’s film and television heritage with classic episodes introduced by the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society.
Palestine Looks Back
Thursday 30 January
Presented as part of the London Short Film Festival Showcase, this programme screens films by Palestinian artists examining history, borders, solidarity and resistance, curated by Theo Panagopoulous.
Head of Programming Rhys Williamson said:
“We’re delighted to begin the year with a Try January programme that reflects the warmth and creative spirit of Riverside Studios. From wellness sessions and hands-on workshops to theatre, music and cinema, this season encourages audiences to try something new and start the year feeling inspired.”
January doesn’t need reinventing — it just needs inviting in the right people. Riverside Studios seems to have understood the assignment.
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