Riverside Studios

Riverside Studios
Name	Riverside Studios
Caption	Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
Address	16–18 Thames Wharf
City	Hammersmith
Country	United Kingdom
Owner	LIV Group (since 2019)
Capacity	220–470 (theatre spaces)
Opened	1952 (studio era), rebuilt 2014
Architect	Hugh Lea

Riverside Studios

Riverside Studios is a performing arts centre and contemporary media complex on the north bank of the River Thames in Hammersmith, London. Founded in the mid-20th century, it became known for multidisciplinary theatre productions, film screenings, television recordings, and visual arts exhibitions featuring artists associated with Royal Court Theatre, BBC Television, National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, and international companies. The venue has hosted premieres, rehearsals, broadcasts and residencies by notable figures connected to David Bowie, Derek Jarman, Maggie Smith, Ian McKellen, and has been involved with festivals such as Fringe Festival and collaborations with institutions like Goldsmiths, University of London, University of the Arts London, and British Film Institute.

History

Originally established in 1933 as a film studio complex used by Alexander Korda-linked companies and later requisitioned during World War II for wartime film work, the site evolved through ownerships including Columbia Pictures and independent producers. In the 1950s the complex was converted into a television studio used by the BBC and independent broadcasters, hosting recordings for performers from Royal Variety Performance casts and early television dramas featuring actors connected to Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud. In the 1970s and 1980s it transitioned into a mixed-use arts centre under entrepreneurial producers influenced by Peter Brook and Joan Littlewood, combining live theatre, film production, and gallery space. The venue underwent a major redevelopment in the early 21st century after a fire and structural issues, leading to a 2014 reopening following designs influenced by practices at Tate Modern and Sadler's Wells; subsequently new ownership by entities including Derwent London and LIV Group (company) shaped its modern remit.

Architecture and facilities

Set on Thames-side industrial land, the complex integrates converted warehouses and purpose-built auditoria, echoing adaptive reuse examples such as Battersea Power Station and Tate Modern. Its architecture reconciles brick warehouse façades with contemporary glass pavilions influenced by the work of Norman Foster-adjacent practices and firms who worked on projects for Southbank Centre. The building houses an adaptable black box theatre configurable between 220 and 470 seats, film and television studios with gallery-grade lighting rigs, rehearsal rooms used by companies linked to Almeida Theatre and Young Vic, artist studios occupied by practitioners from Royal Academy of Arts, and a riverside café/gallery space used for exhibitions with curators from Serpentine Galleries and Barbican Centre. Technical infrastructure supports live broadcast standards comparable to facilities at BBC Television Centre and film-post workflows used by crews associated with Pinewood Studios.

Programming and notable productions

Programming spans theatre, dance, film, television, visual arts and music, reflecting collaborations with companies such as Royal Court Theatre, National Theatre, English National Opera, and visiting ensembles from Royal Danish Theatre and Ballet Rambert. The venue premiered experimental theatre pieces that involved artists associated with DV8 Physical Theatre and productions by directors who have worked at Donmar Warehouse and Arcola Theatre. Film screenings have included retrospectives curated with the British Film Institute and premieres of independent films by filmmakers connected to Ken Loach and Lynne Ramsay. Television broadcasts and recordings have featured shows involving performers formerly associated with Monty Python and presenters who worked for Channel 4. Music concerts and residencies have included collaborations with producers engaged with Glastonbury Festival and labels such as XL Recordings. Notable productions staged or produced at the site involved artists linked to Derek Jarman, David Bowie (in related exhibition contexts), Maggie Smith, and companies formed by alumni of Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Community engagement and education

The centre runs outreach and education programmes in partnership with local and national institutions including Hammersmith and Fulham London Borough Council, Goldsmiths, University of London, University of West London, and arts charities like Arts Council England and Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Workshops, youth theatre initiatives and apprenticeship schemes connect with vocational training providers such as City Lit and collaborative artist-in-residence projects with curators from Camden Arts Centre and education teams from the British Film Institute. Community screenings, participatory arts projects and culturally targeted events have been organized with groups from Refugee Council partner networks and community theatres that draw on models used by Hoxton Hall and Rich Mix.

Ownership and management

Throughout its history the complex has been managed by a succession of independent directors, creative producers and property companies, including development and investment firms like Derwent London, operational partners connected to production houses, and, since 2019, ownership by LIV Group (company). Artistic leadership has included directors who previously held positions at Royal Court Theatre, Young Vic, and Soho Theatre, with programming teams drawing staff from across BBC Arts and independent production companies. Management structures combine commercial event hire and philanthropic funding streams from foundations such as Paul Hamlyn Foundation and grant programmes administered by Arts Council England.

Cultural significance and awards

The venue is regarded as an influential site in London's postwar cultural landscape, noted for interdisciplinary work bridging live performance, moving image and contemporary art akin to initiatives at Southbank Centre and Serpentine Galleries. It has been associated with award-winning productions and broadcasts recognized by institutions including Laurence Olivier Awards, BAFTA, Evening Standard Theatre Awards, and film festival accolades connected to BFI London Film Festival. Its role in nurturing early-career artists who later achieved recognition at venues such as National Theatre and festivals like Edinburgh Festival Fringe reinforces its standing within the capital's cultural ecology.

Category:Theatres in London Category:Buildings and structures in Hammersmith and Fulham