SCRUM Theatre x Riverside Studios
A new artistic residency at Riverside Studios
SCRUM Theatre’s residency at Riverside Studios follows a period of significant growth for the organisation. Since early 2024, it was based at 191 Talgarth Road, transforming a former council archives building into a vibrant creative hub that supported more than 3,300 creatives and delivered free and pay-what-you-can training to over 630 early-career theatre makers. The company departed the Talgarth Road site in March 2026 and has since established its new base at Riverside Studios, marking the next phase in its development.
In May 2026, SCRUM Theatre announced a major summer programme of workshops, masterclasses and intensives at Riverside Studios, bringing leading industry voices into direct conversation with early-career artists - each season has a unique theme, with this summer's season focused on Writing.
The programme forms a central part of SCRUM’s new residency at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, building on the organisation’s recently announced partnership with the venue and marking the next phase of its work supporting artists in London.
Wofai JE, SCRUM Theatre Executive Director, says, “Our move to Riverside has meant an exciting and strategic step forward for SCRUM Theatre. We are proud of what we built at Talgarth Road: a thriving creative hub supporting artists every single day. Becoming a Resident Company at Riverside Studios allows us to build on that momentum within one of London’s most richly textured cultural venues. This summer programme is a key part of that next chapter, creating practical opportunities for artists to develop their craft, connect with one another, and access leading voices from across the industry.”
The residency enables SCRUM Theatre to expand its wider programme, including its Shakespeare’s School Project, an innovative GCSE resource for teachers; Fresh Ink, a playwriting initiative for local teenagers; and its ongoing programme of workshops and masterclasses led by leading practitioners.
Lucie Dawkins, SCRUM Theatre Artistic Director, says, “This next chapter allows us to deepen our focus on creating empowering spaces for theatre makers to create bold and rigorous work. This summer programme is about opening up space for artists to take risks, build skills and be in dialogue with each other and with established voices in the industry. Riverside Studios has spent half a century housing companies at the cutting edge of theatrical experimentation; we are excited to become part of that history and deepen the impact of our work.”
SCRUM Theatre Patron, Olivier Award winner and Tony nominated actor, Adrian Lester says, “SCRUM Theatre wears its huge heart on its sleeve. It aims high while making sure it never lets go of its founding principles. Theatre is for everyone. The more different the perspectives of those in the room, the better the work will be. SCRUM likes to say “How you make is just as important as What you make.” In my opinion, every society needs a company like this. It is an honour, as their patron, to watch the company grow.”
Rhys Williams, Head of Programming at Riverside Studios, said: “As an arts organisation that has faced our own upheavals during our fifty-year history, Riverside Studios is delighted to be able to offer some urgent support to Scrum Theatre. Aside from space, I hope Riverside provides them with a stimulating environment in which to plan their future, and we’re excited to see this summer programme bring new artists and audiences into the building.”
SCRUM Theatre looks forward to welcoming artists and audiences to Riverside Studios this summer as it continues its mission to create ambitious, accessible and artist-led theatre.
