Riverside Studios has announced further special events as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, marking five decades since the venue first opened in 1976.
The West London cultural hub is expanding its anniversary line-up with evenings celebrating iconic television and the return of a major Riverside alumnus in conversation.
Newly announced events include An Evening with TFI Friday on 29 May, Robert Lindsay in Conversation on 31 May, and An Evening with Top of the Pops on 5 June.
The additions join previously announced anniversary events featuring Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Lenny Henry, Goodness Gracious Me and Gyles Brandreth.
An Evening with TFI Friday celebrates both Riverside Studios turning 50 and the cult music and chat show marking its 30th anniversary.
Originally broadcast from Riverside’s Studio 1 between 1995 and 2000, TFI Friday was hosted by Chris Evans and became synonymous with the energy of Britpop-era television.
The event will screen two ‘best of’ episodes from 1997 and 1998, followed by a Q&A with producer and on-screen ‘sidekick’ Will Macdonald, director Mick Thomas and production manager Clare Barton.
On 31 May, Robert Lindsay in Conversation will see the acclaimed actor discuss his life and career, returning to the venue where he made his London stage debut in 1979 in The Changeling.
Lindsay’s extensive career spans stage and screen, including roles in Citizen Smith, G.B.H., My Family, Sherwood and award-winning performances in Me & My Girl, Oliver! and Anything Goes.
An Evening with Top of the Pops on 5 June presents two episodes from 2001, followed by a Q&A with long-time producer Chris Cowey, designer Miranda Jones and special guests.
Top of the Pops has a long history with Riverside Studios, where the programme was recorded on several occasions from 1965 onwards, hosting artists including The Beatles, Radiohead, Elton John and Janet Jackson.
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 added “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”.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
