RIVERSIDE STUDIOS ANNOUNCES DECEMBER PROGRAMME
The whole team at Riverside Studios is delighted to announce a dynamic and diverse theatre programme coming this December, offering a mix of cutting-edge theatre, creative workshops and screenings for all ages at the iconic West London arts venue.
Hailed by WhatsOnStage as a “magnificent writer,” an “entirely innovative and distinctive voice” by Adventures in Theatreland, and “a magnificent storyteller” by the British Theatre Guide, Olly Hawes returns to Riverside Studios with Old Fat F**k Up (5 November – 20 December), a solo show that slices through the absurdity of modern life, confronting middle-aged denial, the pain of parenthood, and the wreckage men leave behind when they’re just trying not to break things.
For a very limited run, Hawes’ previous five-star hit F**king Legend (20 November – 4 December), also returns – a hilarious and terrifying exploration of socks, sex, love, and existential dread. Raw, funny, and deeply human, it’s a sharp reflection on contemporary masculinity and change.
Riverside Studios presents The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy (15 November 2025 – 15 February 2026), a live, immersive reimagining of Douglas Adams’ iconic sci-fi comedy. Join Arthur Dent, Zaphod Beeblebrox, Fenchurch, and a very depressed robot as they embark on a quest to uncover the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. The evening begins in an unusual pub setting, followed by a literal lift-off into space, featuring storytelling, music, dance, and magic. This inventive production is brought to life by an award-winning creative team and a multi-talented cast.
As part of National Theatre Live, Riverside screens David Ireland’s gripping play The Fifth Step (Tuesday 2 December 2025). Directed by Finn den Hertog, and starring Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder), the production explores recovery, trust, and the delicate dynamics between an experienced AA sponsor and a newcomer. As Luka approaches the pivotal fifth step—confession—dangerous truths surface, threatening their fragile bond.
Mindful Christmas Calligraphy (6–7 December 2025) is a festive workshop led by local calligrapher Laura Edralin, designed for beginners and seasoned creatives alike. Participants will learn to create beautiful brush pen calligraphy, add creative touches to gifts, design personalised gift tags, and hand-letter and decorate ornaments. All materials are provided, including pens, personalised folders, worksheets, and other supplies.
Kick off your Christmas season with sparkle and smiles at the Festive Fun River Run (Sunday 7 December), a joyful, untimed 7km run, jog, or walk along the Thames between Hammersmith and Putney Bridges. Dress to impress in your most festive gear, Santas, elves, puddings, and reindeer all welcome! Enjoy free refreshments, family-friendly festive activities, Christmas market and music, plus medals and prizes for the most festive participants (including dogs!) and the first finishers.
Acting Workshop: ReFocus Method (Saturday 20 December) is a one-day intensive exploring the ReFocus Method, a neuroscience-based approach to acting that connects emotion with muscular tension, enhancing focus and performance. Led by Jasper de Bruijn, a certified ReFocus Method teacher and acting coach from the Netherlands, this workshop is tailored to the group’s needs, guiding participants from foundational techniques to practical application on stage or set. Attendees are asked to prepare a monologue to serve as material for exploration rather than a polished performance. This session is ideal for actors seeking to deepen their craft with a clear, practical methodology.
Head of Programming, Rhys Williamson said: “We’re thrilled to close out the year with such a vibrant and varied programme that truly captures the spirit of Riverside Studios. From bold new writing like Olly Hawes’ F**king Legend and Old Fat F**k Up, to the immersive adventure of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this season brings together humour and imagination in equal measure.”
