In this episode, Rhys Williamson speaks with performer and co-creator Arielle Zilkha about The W.I.G of Life: A Conference, a futuristic, genre-blending production from Psychonaut Theatre that invites audiences to decide the fate of biological life itself.

Set in a world where humans are extinct, the show takes the form of an interactive AI conference where morality, memory, and legacy are up for debate. Featuring dance, comedy, puppetry, TV, and a smartphone-enabled voting system, The W.I.G. of Life offers a playful yet urgent reflection on our collective impact.

Created and performed by Arielle Zilkha, Francesca Fatichenti, and Christof Hofer, and supported by Arts Council England and the Swiss Cultural Fund, this 70-minute theatrical experience asks big questions with humor, style, and a healthy dose of absurdity.

Listen now as Rhys and Arielle discuss the making of the show, its collaborative process, and the power of letting audiences take the lead.

Thanks for listening to Inside Riverside Studios.

Presented by Riverside Studios
Hosted by Rhys Williamson
Marketing by Beatriz López de Priego
Produced by Yianni Sines

Stay connected with us:
Visit us at riversidestudios.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram, and Facebook
For updates on upcoming shows, sign up to our newsletter on our website.

In this episode, Rhys Williamson speaks with writer and performer Samantha Ipema about Dear Annie, I Hate You, a darkly funny and unexpectedly uplifting multimedia play exploring the chaos that follows when life veers off course.

Presented by Wild Geese Productions in association with HFH Productions, and starring Samantha Ipema and Eleanor House, the play tells the story of two characters linked by circumstance, struggling to navigate the messiness of identity, illness, and resilience. With direction by James Meteyard and sound design by Olivier-nominated Dan Balfour, the production uses humour and multimedia storytelling to confront life’s most unpredictable moments.

Following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe, this new staging at Riverside Studios takes the show to bold new heights.

Listen now as Rhys and Samantha unpack the creative process, the personal roots of the story, and the humour that can emerge even in life’s darkest corners.

Dear Annie, I Hate You is partnering with Headway East London and Headway West London, two fantastic charities that support individuals affected by, and living with, brain injuries. For more information visit their websites: Headway East here, Headway West here and the Headway UK here.

Thanks for listening to Inside Riverside Studios.

Presented by Riverside Studios
Hosted by Rhys Williamson
Marketing: Beatriz López de Priego
Produced by Yianni Sines

Stay connected with us:
Visit us at riversidestudios.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram, and Facebook
For updates on upcoming shows, sign up to our newsletter on our website.

In this episode, Rhys Williamson speaks with actor Ned Campbell about Beats, the powerful coming-of-age story by Kieran Hurley that recently completed a successful run at Riverside Studios.

Directed by Olivier and Offie-nominated Toby Clarke, Beats follows teenager Johnno McCreadie on the night of his first illegal rave, set against the backdrop of the 1994 Criminal Justice Act. As the act attempts to outlaw gatherings centred around “a succession of repetitive beats,” Johnno and his best friend Spanner dive headfirst into a night of rebellion and freedom.

In a tour de force solo performance, Ned Campbell populated a vivid world of characters, with live music by on-stage DJ Emma Haines, capturing the energy, heartache, and resilience of a generation.

Beats is a pulsing, magnetic celebration of youth culture, resistance, and the lasting power of music still resonating thirty years on.

Listen now to hear Rhys and Ned discuss the making of Beats, the relevance of its story today, and the timeless pull of gathering to music.

Thanks for listening to Inside Riverside Studios.

Presented by Riverside Studios
Hosted by Rhys Williamson
Marketing: Beatriz López de Priego
Produced by Yianni Sines

Stay connected with us:
Visit us at riversidestudios.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram, and Facebook
For updates on upcoming shows, sign up to our newsletter on our website.