The whole team at Riverside Studios is thrilled to announce details of more special events being staged to celebrate the West London venue’s 50th anniversary.
Opened in 1976, Riverside Studios has built a reputation for excellence and innovation across theatre, dance, visual art, television, comedy and music. This anniversary season takes inspiration from the past in the form of special performances and creative partnerships, while welcoming back some of the key figures who have helped shape the iconic venue’s rich history.
In addition to previously announced events with Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Lenny Henry, Goodness Gracious Me, and Gyles Brandreth – the venue continues to celebrate its rich history with events celebrating some of the iconic television that was made there with An Evening With TFI Friday (29 May) An Evening with Top of the Pops (5 June), plus the return of another Riverside alumnus talking about his life and career, Robert Lindsay in Conversation (31 May).
In the year Riverside Studios turns 50, TFI Friday turns 30 years old. Friday 29 May sees An Evening With TFI Friday celebrate of one of the UK’s most original, anarchic and influential music and chat shows.
Broadcast from Riverside’s Studio 1 between 1995 and 2000, TFI Friday saw host Chris Evans play ringmaster to a circus of celebrity guests, musical artists and special items involving practical jokes and party tricks. The programme captured the spirit of Britpop and earned its reputation by controversy as much as its groundbreaking concept.
This special evening will consist of two ‘best of’ episodes from 1997 and 1998, followed by a Q&A with TFI Friday producer and Chris’s on-screen ‘sidekick’ Will Macdonald, director Mick Thomas and production manager Clare Barton.
Additional guests TBC.
Robert Lindsay in Conversation takes place on Sunday 31 May, in which Mr Lindsay will discuss his extraordinary life and career.
Robert made his London stage debut at Riverside Studios in the landmark 1979 production of The Changeling alongside Brian Cox.
Since then, his stage and screen career has made him one of Britain’s most beloved actors. Among his most famous roles are Wolfie in the classic BBC sitcom Citizen Smith, Michael Murray in Alan Bleasdale’s G.B.H (for which he won a BAFTA award for Best Actor), Ben Harper in My Family, Sneath in Stephen Poliakoff’s dramas Friends and Crocodiles and Gideon’s Daughter and Franklin Warner in Sherwood. His stage credits include a Tony award-winning performance in Me & My Girl (West End and Broadway), Oliver! (for which he received a second Olivier award), Cyrano De Bergerac and Anything Goes.
An Evening with Top of the Pops on Friday 5 June is a special evening presenting two episodes of TOTP from 2001, followed by a Q&A with long-time producer Chris Cowey, designer Miranda Jones, and special guests.
Top of the Pops returns to Riverside Studios, where the legendary music programme has been recorded on occasions since 1965, when The Beatles performed ‘Ticket to Ride’ in Studio 1. The longest period in which TOTP took up residence at Riverside was in the early 2000s, when studio guests included Radiohead, Elton John, Missy Elliott, Stereophonics, Janet Jackson, Mis-teeq and Travis, who engaged in a spontaneous on-stage custard pie fight.
Guest line up subject to change.
Tickets for the above events are now on priority sale to Riverside passholders. General sale will begin at 5pm via Riverside Studios website.
Further special events, exhibitions and performances which form part of Riverside’s 50th anniversary programme, will be announced in the coming months. A Gala Auction Night will also take place later in the year.
Every ticket bought helps keep Riverside Studios inclusive and accessible to all, providing free and affordable space and support for emerging creatives, including via our annual Bitesize Festival, which helps develop and showcase new writing.
Season curator Daniel Thurman said “The variety of special guests and events we are presenting throughout 2026 speaks to Riverside’s legacy as an intersection and an incubator for the arts. Actors, comedians, artists, musicians, producers and directors have always found a home at Riverside Studios – and that is as true today as it ever was.”.
Rhys Williamson, Head of Programming, said: “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 and new ideas for the future.”
Trustee Anil Agarwal, said “Riverside’s impact on the arts cannot be underestimated. From championing emerging artists and reinventing the classics to presenting global stars and historic live broadcasts, Riverside’s history and influence is something we can all be proud of”.
