Riverside Studios to Premiere New Family Drama
Minder's Gary Webster features in production of Blessings
Gary Webster in rehearsal for Blessings . Picture: Riverside Studios
September 15, 2025
A new stage production titled Blessings, written by playwright Sarah Shelton, will premiere at Riverside Studios. Set in a small English town during the 1960s, the play explores themes of family dysfunction, control, and personal faith through a blend of dark humour and emotional realism.
The production, which runs from 30 September to 26 October follows its initial showing as a shortened piece at the Riverside Bitesize Festival in 2024 and now returns in full-length form. It will be staged in Studio 3, with evening performances from Tuesday to Saturday and matinees on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The cast includes Gary Webster, known for his long-running television roles in Minder and Family Affairs, alongside Anna Acton, whose screen credits include EastEnders, Casualty, and Roadkill. Acton and Webster previously appeared together in Family Affairs, a series on which Shelton also worked as a script editor.
Also joining the cast are Emily Lane (Frozen The Musical, Hello, Dolly!), Hannah Traylen (Boiling Point, Call The Midwife), Milly Roberts (Small Want, Butterflies), and Freddie Webster, who makes his professional stage debut opposite his father Gary Webster after graduating from Mountview.
Acton will play the role of Dorie, with Webster as Frank, Lane as Sally, Traylen as Frances, Roberts as Penny, and Freddie Webster in an undisclosed role.
The play by Sarah Shelton originally features in shortened form at the Riverside Bitesize Festival
The production runs approximately 90 minutes without an interval and carries an age guidance of 16+. Tickets are available via Riverside Studios’ website and box office (020 8237 1010).
Riverside Studios is at 101 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith W6 9BN.
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