The challenge is in aid to help raise money to buy new seats for its flagship theatre, Studio 2.
In January, comedian Eddie Izzard completed 32 marathons on a treadmill at Riverside Studios, clocking a mammoth 840 miles. The Riverside team is aiming to match that achievement by running, cycling and rowing past Izzard’s total.
Talking about the news, Executive Director Tony Lankester, said: “We’re so close to finishing the redevelopment of our building, and purchasing seats for our main performance space is the final piece of the puzzle. We could approach a bank or investor to loan us the money. But as a charity we’re mindful of the risk of taking on more debt, and so we’re determined to raise the funds ourselves.”
The Riverside Trust has already had the offer of a grant of up to £25,000 to match whatever the team raise, so in pursuit of a total of £50,000 the team are looking to raise £25,000 from its circle of supporters and donors.
Once complete the new Studio 2 will be able to accommodate 500 patrons – making it one of the few midsize theatre spaces in London, giving producers and artists a space that still feels intimate while allowing for a capacity that helps make productions financially viable. The digital capability that has been incorporated into the design and build of the new Riverside Studios rounds off the appeal of the new theatre, giving producers greater flexibility and scope to take their work in new directions and to new audiences.
Supporters can donate at Riverside’s crowdfunding page (and earn a thank you reward in the process) or can donate £10 by texting the word ARTS to 70660.