Photo credit: Mainstage logo. (Courtesy of Riverside Studios)

Riverside Studios announces new shows as part of its Mainstage Season

Q: What is Affluenza about?

See Affluenza, Andy Sandberg’s dark comedic play exploring themes of wealth and the consequences of immense privilege at Riverside Studios.

Q: Is Affluenza good?

Affluenza takes a real-world premise and uses it to examine some hard-hitting questions about privilege and wealth. With Andy Sandberg’s writing and direction, this black comedy drama offers audiences a poignant story designed to spark conversation.

First in the season is Affluenza, written and directed by Andy Sandberg, who serves as Season Artistic Director for the Mainstage and will be directing each production.

Olivia Rook8 July, 2026, 09:00

A season of five new plays has been announced at west London venue Riverside Studios, starting this September. The Mainstage Season launches with three world premieres.

First in the season is Affluenza, running from 26 September - 21 November, written and directed by Andy Sandberg, who serves as Season Artistic Director for the Mainstage and will be directing each production. Inspired by true events surrounding a legal defence, Affluenza explores the effects of power and privilege when a teen’s drunken car ride ends in devastation.

Sacrilegious, by Oscar winner Tom Schulman (Dead Poets Society, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids), runs from 5 December to 23 January 2027 and follows an idealistic young rabbi, who dares to challenge the billionaire president of his congregation about a multi-million-dollar donation.

Expecting, by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola, runs from 30 January to 27 March 2027 and explores why couples are waiting longer to have kids through young couple Zoey and Ethan, who are deciding whether or not to have a baby.

Sandberg said, "New writing has always been my passion, and there is nothing more exciting than discovering and nurturing a brilliant original play. Our hope is that each of these stories will resonate with audiences and become part of the theatrical canon for years to come. These are all timely and thought-provoking scripts designed to entertain while also inviting audiences to engage more deeply. I absolutely love working in the UK, and I am honoured to be working alongside a brilliant team of UK colleagues to bring this season to life. The experiences I have had directing in London have been some of the most gratifying of my career, and I can’t wait to launch these new productions at Riverside Studios."

Further productions and casting will be announced soon.

Book Affluenza tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Check back for Sacrilegious tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Check back for Expecting tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

What is Affluenza about?

See Affluenza, Andy Sandberg’s dark comedic play exploring themes of wealth and the consequences of immense privilege at Riverside Studios.

Is Affluenza West End or Off-West End?

Affluenza is Off West End.

How long is Affluenza running?

Affluenza currently has tickets available through 28 November 2026. Check calendar for availability.

Who directed Affluenza?

Affluenza is directed by Andy Sandberg.

Who wrote Affluenza?

Affluenza was written by Andy Sandberg.

What's the age recommendation for Affluenza?

The recommended age for Affluenza is Ages 14+..

Where is Affluenza playing?

Affluenza is playing at Riverside Studios. The theatre is located at 101 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9BN.

How long is Affluenza?

The running time of Affluenza is 2hr 15min. Incl. Interval.

How do you book tickets for Affluenza?

Book tickets for Affluenza on London Theatre.

How much do tickets cost for Affluenza?

Tickets for Affluenza start at £28.

Is Affluenza good?

Affluenza takes a real-world premise and uses it to examine some hard-hitting questions about privilege and wealth. With Andy Sandberg’s writing and direction, this black comedy drama offers audiences a poignant story designed to spark conversation.

Originally published on Jul 8, 202611:28