The Wipers Times

Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s The Wipers Times tells the true and extraordinary story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the Somme. Following a sell-out season, The Wipers Times returns to the West End.

In a bombed out building during the First World War in the Belgian town of Ypres (mis-pronounced Wipers by British soldiers), two officers discover a printing press and create a newspaper for the troops. Far from being a sombre journal about life in the trenches, they produced a resolutely cheerful, subversive and very funny newspaper designed to lift the spirits of the men on the front line.

★★★★ “Laugh a minute”

Mail on Sunday

★★★★ “Even – perhaps especially – at its silliest, the play has a respect for its subject matter that is deadly serious and decidedly affecting”

The Times

★★★★★ “Wonderfully theatrical”

WhatsonStage

 

What is The Wipers Times about?

Following a sell-out West End run, an appearance at the Passchendaele Centenary in Ypres, and an eleven week national tour, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s acclaimed play, The Wipers Times, returns to London from October at the Arts Theatre. Based on the true story of a group of soldiers who created a satirical newspaper surrounded by the mud and mayhem of the Great War, this infectiously charming production is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. Because, what do you do in the face of death – you laugh at it! A perfect night out for those who lived through the war or anyone interested in history – this show is a must-see.

Duration

Duration: Two hours & 10 minutes (including interval)

Location

Arts Theatre

Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JB

Additional Details & FAQ

Access Information

For all enquiries and access bookings please call 020 7836 8463 or email boxoffice@artstheatrewestend.co.uk.

Cancellation Policy

No exchanges or refunds.

How Does It Work

You will receive an email confirmation, please print and present on arrival at the venue box office.

Suitable For Children

Age recommendation: 12+

Where Do I Go

6-7 Great Newport Street

London, WC2H7JB

Reviews

4.9(17 reviews)
  • Linda

    Nov 29, 2018

    I thought the stage adaptation had a more authentic feel than the film. I thought the cast were fantastic and thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • Sarah

    Nov 22, 2018

    Brilliant theatre with wonderful performances by the cast. It really brought to life what those in the trenches went through. Its very moving yet at the same time the script it funny with lots of dark humour, or great British humour we can be deeply proud of.

  • Caroline

    Nov 19, 2018

    A most moving show about life in the trenches during WWI and the compilation of a newspaper to keep the spirits of the soldiers up. Very thought provoking while being amusing. A strong young cast.

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