Riverside Studios’ Player: Raw Ambition Takes the Stage
A Bold New Voice Emerges in Hammersmith Theatre
Riverside Studios, nestled in our neighbourhood and long recognised as a cornerstone of local arts programming, has welcomed another intriguing production to its intimate stage. ‘PLAYER,’ the brainchild of writer-director-performer Matthew Lyon, offers viewers a deeply personal glimpse into the world of artistic ambition. Lyon’s dual role as creator and lead performer demonstrates the kind of commitment that defines emerging theatre makers in London. His co-star Ola Forman brings considerable range to the piece, shifting seamlessly between multiple characters with notable vocal dexterity. Running just over an hour without intermission, this production demands engagement from start to finish—a condensed theatrical experience that reflects the intensity of its subject matter. For those seeking london events that showcase fresh, independent work, Riverside Studios continues to position itself as essential viewing. The venue’s track record of supporting diverse voices means local residents have genuine opportunities to witness artists wrestling with their craft in real time, far from the polished productions you might find near Trafalgar Square or in West End theatres.
Ambitious Storytelling with Mixed Results
What sets ‘PLAYER’ apart initially is its deliberate refusal to follow the well-worn path of theatrical rags-to-riches narratives. Lyon’s script demonstrates real linguistic flair, with moments of genuine wit and originality that catch audiences off-guard. However, this same ambition occasionally works against the production. Midway through, the narrative fractures into a series of disconnected vignettes that, while entertaining individually, struggle to cohere into a unified theatrical statement. The central question becomes unclear: is this a love letter to acting as a profession? A critique of limited social mobility? A satire of overeager festival performers? These threads never quite weave together convincingly. Ola Forman’s characterisations, meanwhile, sometimes veer toward caricature rather than nuanced portrayal, which dilutes the emotional weight the piece seems to be reaching for. There’s also a sense that certain material feels dated, relying on theatrical conventions that don’t quite resonate with contemporary audiences. For local theatre-goers accustomed to the sophisticated productions at established venues, ‘PLAYER’ presents both promise and uncertainty—a work in progress that reveals much about its creator’s passion but leaves questions about its ultimate purpose unanswered.
What This Means for Our Community’s Cultural Landscape
Riverside Studios’ continued commitment to programming experimental work reflects what makes our neighbourhood’s cultural scene distinct. Unlike tourist-focused london attractions near Big Ben or Buckingham Palace, venues like ours prioritise artistic risk-taking and community engagement. ‘PLAYER’ exemplifies this: it’s provocative, unpolished, and deeply reflective of one artist’s urgent need to express something about ambition and purpose. The production also raises important conversations worth having locally. Its somewhat dismissive treatment of conventional careers, for instance, speaks to real tensions within creative communities about legitimacy and value—tensions that affect young people in Hammersmith deciding their own paths. For residents considering attending, expect a theatrical challenge rather than comfortable entertainment. For aspiring artists in our community, ‘PLAYER’ demonstrates that Riverside Studios remains a space where you can attempt bold work, even when that work doesn’t entirely succeed. As we navigate post-pandemic cultural recovery, supporting venues willing to take chances—even when outcomes are mixed—matters enormously. Whether you’re local or visiting London for cultural experiences, prioritising independent theatres over conventional tourist stops strengthens the artistic ecosystem we all benefit from.
Source: Riverside Studios’ Player: A Local Look at Ambition & Artistic Grit
