Riverside Studios has announced details of REP: RADICAL CLASSICAL, an ambitious repertory season presented by Flywheel Theatre Company, Veritas Productions, and Riverside Studios as part of the West London venue’s year-long 50th anniversary celebrations. Inspired by traditional repertory companies, a single ensemble of five actors will perform five classic plays across five weeks, revisiting landmark productions and artists from the venue's half-century history.
Running in Studio 3 from Tuesday 8 September to Saturday 10 October 2026, the season opens with Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard from 8–12 September. The drama was the first play produced at Riverside under Artistic Director Peter Gill in 1978. It is followed by Molière’s comedy The School for Wives from 15–19 September, which was previously presented at the venue in 1995.
Racine’s 17th-century tragic masterpiece Phaedra follows from 22–26 September, returning to the venue where it was last staged in 2002. From 29 September–3 October, the company presents Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, which originally appeared at Riverside in 1979 with a cast led by Helen Mirren. The repertory season concludes with Dario Fo’s farce The Virtuous Burglar from 6–10 October, honoring Fo’s regular visits and workshops at Riverside during the mid-1980s.
In addition to the stage season, Riverside Studios will host two special fundraising events featuring acclaimed alumni. Simon Callow CBE in Conversation takes place on Sunday 6 September at 3.30pm. Callow holds the distinction of making the most appearances at Riverside Studios and will reflect on his life, career, and extensive credits. Lindsay Duncan CBE in Conversation follows on Sunday 11 October at 3.30pm, marking the Tony and Olivier Award-winning actor's return to the venue where she played Portia in Peter Gill’s 1980 production of Julius Caesar.
Both conversation events will raise funds to keep Riverside Studios accessible, supporting affordable creative spaces and initiatives for emerging talent. Audiences booking all five repertory productions receive a 25% discount, with tickets and further information available directly through the venue.
