Riverside Studios has been part of London’s creative landscape since 1976, and its 50th-anniversary celebrations are bringing three familiar faces back to the Hammersmith venue. From a Disney screen legend to a celebrated writer and an actor who appeared in Riverside’s earliest in-house productions, these events offer a chance to revisit the stories behind the building.
Riverside Studios at 50: the final anniversary events
Hayley Mills in Conversation — Sunday 8 November 2026, 3.30pm
Hayley Mills returns to Riverside Studios for a special fundraising conversation. In 1976 she helped launch Peter Gill’s tenure as the venue’s first artistic director. Known for films including Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, Mills has worked across film, television and theatre for decades. The event is listed at approximately 75 minutes.
Hayley Mills event details and tickets.
Hanif Kureishi in Conversation — Sunday 10 January 2027, 4pm
Writer Hanif Kureishi began his literary career managing Riverside’s bookshop in the late 1970s. He returns to discuss his work across novels, theatre, screenwriting and memoir, including The Buddha of Suburbia, My Beautiful Laundrette and Shattered. The event is listed at approximately 60 minutes.
Hanif Kureishi event details and tickets.
Leigh Lawson: Now & Then + In Conversation — Sunday 21 February 2027, 6pm
Leigh Lawson appeared in Riverside’s first in-house production of The Cherry Orchard in 1978. In this final anniversary event, the actor, writer and director shares poetry from his collection Now & Then and discusses the stories behind it with season curator Daniel Thurman. A book signing is also advertised. The event is listed at approximately 60 minutes.
Leigh Lawson event details and tickets.
Why Riverside Studios matters
After opening as an arts centre in 1976, Riverside became known for experimental theatre, television, music, dance and visual art. Its history includes productions with Helen Mirren and Brian Cox, and work involving artists from David Bowie to Benjamin Zephaniah. The original building closed for redevelopment in 2014, and the new venue opened on the same site in 2019.
Planning a visit
Riverside Studios is in Hammersmith, west London. Check the individual event pages for current ticket prices, remaining seats and accessibility arrangements; these are special fundraising events, and availability can change.
For more theatre and cultural events, visit Theatre & Culture. You can also read our existing Tinderella at Riverside Studios guide for another upcoming production at the venue.
Preview based on Riverside Studios’ 50th-anniversary announcement and official event listings. Before publication: secure approved anniversary image and exact photo credit; verify current ticket inventory and access details; check internal links and add a suitable featured image.
