The Wipers Times

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Catch the extraordinary stage adaptation of the award-winning BBC film with The Wipers Times tickets

Following a sold-out UK tour, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s stage adaptation of their award-winning BBC film The Wipers Times transfers to the West End. Opening for a limited run at the Arts Theatre London, The Wipers Times is the extraordinary story of a satirical newspaper created during the Somme by the soldiers struggling in the trenches.

Inspired by the true story of the creation of the paper, the play takes place in a bombed out building during the First World War. Set in the Belgian town of Ypres, which was mispronounced as Wipers by British soldiers, two officers discover a printing press and resolve to create a newspaper for the troops. In print for an impressive two years, The Wipers Times takes place 100 years after the Battle of the Somme.

A cheerful, funny paper packed full of comic sketches and spoofs, The Wipers Times sought to help lift the spirits of the soldiers. Hislop and Newman’s play shows the extraordinary resilience of human spirit in the face of adversity, as the soldiers and their paper battle against disapproval from those higher up, and endless enemy attacks.

Casting includes Kevin Brewer as Henderson, James Dutton as Roberts, George Kemp as Pearson, James Morgan as Barnes and Dan Tetsell as General Mitford. Directed by Caroline Leslie (Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Watermill Theatre), The Wipers Times is the fresh, uplifting and poignant true story of the satirical paper launched during the war, featuring design by Dora Schweitzer, lighting design by James Smith, sound design by Steve Mayo and original compositions by Nick Green.

The Wipers Times originally premiered in 2013 as a BBC film directed by Andy De Emmony and is written by Private Eye co-workers Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. Officially opening at the Arts Theatre on March 27th, the play is set to run until May 13th 2017, with previews beginning March 21st 2017.

Child Friendly

The Wipers Times may not be suitable for young children.