Riverside Studios Marks 50 Years with In Conversation Series
Programme features Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Lenny Henry
Left: Sir Lenny Henry. Picture: Jack Lawson. Right: Dame Helen Mirren. Picture: Trevor Leighton
February 24, 2026
Riverside Studios is marking its 50th anniversary this spring with a series of special conversations featuring some of the most celebrated figures to have shaped its artistic life.
Since opening in 1976, Riverside has been a creative home for emerging talent and internationally recognised performers alike, and the anniversary programme reflects the breadth of artists who have passed through its doors over the past five decades.
The celebrations begin on Sunday 15 March at 3.30 pm with Dame Helen Mirren in conversation with director and producer Simon Curtis. Dame Helen first appeared at Riverside in 1979 in Peter Gill’s acclaimed production of Measure for Measure, long before becoming one of the most decorated actors of her generation. She will return to reflect on her life and career, with audiences invited to submit questions in advance.
Head of Programming Rhys Williamson said, “What an honour it is to host one of Britain’s greatest actresses, who helped put Riverside Studios on the map as Isabella in our 1979 production of ‘Measure for Measure’. Dame Helen’s appearance will help provide support to Riverside at a time when our industry faces rising costs and unprecedented funding challenges".
If you will be attending the event and would like to submit a question for Dame Helen, email danielthurman@riversidestudios.co.uk and write DAME HELEN MIRREN QUESTION in the subject line. Please note, not all questions will be selected.
On Tuesday 14 April at 7 pm, Sir Lenny Henry will join broadcaster and author Gyles Brandreth for a live conversation recorded for Brandreth’s podcast Rosebud. Sir Lenny performed to sold-out audiences at Riverside in 1988, the same year he presented the first Red Nose Day for Comic Relief. The event will explore his journey from groundbreaking stand-up to one of the UK’s most versatile creative figures.
Rhys Williamson said, “We are thrilled that Sir Lenny will be joining us and that, as one of the country’s most successful fundraisers, his appearance will provide support to Riverside at a time when our industry faces rising costs and unprecedented funding challenges”.
The anniversary season continues on Sunday 26 April at 5 pm with a reunion of the stars of Goodness Gracious Me. Nina Wadia, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Kulvinder Ghir will be joined by producer Jon Plowman to discuss the origins of their influential sketch show, which began life at Riverside in 1995 as the stage production Peter Sellers is Dead before becoming a landmark BBC series. Tickets can be booked here.
The celebrations conclude on Sunday 28 June at 4pm with Gyles Brandreth’s Up Memory Lane, an afternoon of stories drawn from his long and varied career, including his time at Riverside. He will be joined by Harriet Jaine, producer of his chart-topping podcast, for an event that promises humour, warmth and personal reflection. Booking is available here.
These events form part of a wider programme marking Riverside Studios’ 50 years as a centre for creativity, collaboration and performance, and offer audiences a rare chance to hear directly from artists whose work has helped define its history.
Riverside Studios is at 101 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith W6 9BN.
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