There’s a line in Trial By Laughter, the new touring production of Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s play about freedom of the press, where one of the main characters says to the other: “But where are the jokes?” As neat summaries of a play in one line of dialogue go, it’s one of the best I’ve seen.
‘Touchingly poignant, gentle but funny show’: THE WIPERS TIMES – Arts Theatre ★★★★
The Wipers Times is a touchingly poignant, gentle but funny show which successfully shows how laughter helped one group of soldiers get through the war – without diminishing the impact WWI had on them and the world as a whole.
‘There is clearly a deep affection for this play’: The WIPERS TIMES – Arts Theatre
As the centenary commemorations of World War I draw to a close it seems fitting that Nick Newman and Ian Hislop’s The Wipers Times returns to the Arts Theatre.
‘Fascinating, worthy, relevant, important story’: TRIAL BY LAUGHTER – Touring
You can see immediately why Ian Hislop and his partner in satire, Nick Newman, came up with the idea of Trial By Laughter, as their next stage project.
‘Abounds with humour & wit’: TRIAL BY LAUGHTER – Touring ★★★★
Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s script for Trial By Laughter at the Watermill is full of the characteristic satire you would expect and abounds with humour and wit.
‘Celebrates the need for humour in difficult times’: THE WIPERS TIMES – Touring
Despite a lack of connection, The Wipers Times celebrates a great, previously untold story, about war, journalism, tenacity, and the need for humour in difficult times.
NEWS: Stage version of Ian Hislop & Nick Newman’s radio drama Trial by Laughter premieres at the Watermill before tour
Following the success of The Wipers Times in the West End and across the country, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman have once again taken inspiration from real life events for their new play Trial by Laughter, based on their acclaimed original BBC Radio 4 drama of the same name.
THE WIPERS TIMES – Touring ★★★
Caroline Leslie’s direction allows for scenes to seamlessly alternate between that of military attack to a music-hall comedy sketch.
NEWS: Wipers Times play launches new tour post-West End
Following a sold-out UK tour in 2016, and a fast-selling limited season in the West End – currently playing until 13 May 2017 at the Arts Theatre –the producers of The Wipers Times are pleased to announce that the production will once again tour the UK this autumn.
THE WIPERS TIMES – West End
Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s stage version of their more realistic television play screened by the BBC in 2013 neatly captures their schoolboy humour but is just a bit too schoolboyish in its execution.
NEWS: Ian Hislop screen-to-stage comedy The Wipers Times transfers to West End
Following a sold-out UK tour, The Wipers Times, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s comedy based on their World War I documentary, transfers to the West End for a season at the Arts Theatre, with performances from Tuesday 21 March to Saturday 13 May 2017.