The Wipers Times
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)
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
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.
Kevin Hepburn
Nov 18, 2018
Fantastic play with great acting - a thoroughly enjoyable evening
Ann
Nov 18, 2018
My husband is deeply interested in WW1 and I booked show for his birthday. I was very nervous to how he would find it but I needn't have worried. He thought it was great, well written, funny but still respectful of those soldiers whe lived and died in the trenches. Brilliant!
Ross
Nov 17, 2018
Entertaining, well written, brilliantly acted. A real joy to watch. No
Robin Kent
Nov 16, 2018
An absolutely brilliant show. Could happily watch it again. The acting was tip top by everyone. Thanks to Ian for his writing and direction.
Simon SW18
Nov 16, 2018
Fabulous production with a very, very strong cast. A well told story that is both extremely funny and very, very moving. You have until December 1 to see it. Don't miss it you will regret it!!!
JanC
Nov 15, 2018
A very entertaining yet moving production. Full of energy,humour and emotional scenes. You can see Hislops humour within the production. The cast are excellent portraying how it was in those exceptional times.
B Woods
Nov 14, 2018
Great production. Very enjoyable with fine acting.
Peter McEwen MBE MNM
Nov 11, 2018
Saw this on 10 November prior to laying a wreath on Remembrance Sunday - a very appropriate date. An excellent production with humour but, of course, an underlying sadness.
K. Jackson
Nov 11, 2018
Play was great. Poignant but also laugh out load entertaining. The actors were all excellent. Absolutely recommend this play.
Mike Swift
Nov 9, 2018
At the interval, my wife and I were trying to decide if we were enjoying the production or not. By the end, we were both of the mind that we had watched a most-enjoyable play. Filled with satire, the play was extremely-well acted, the timing was superb and it brought home to the audience the horror of the First World War and the small part that the hierarchy in the army played in the front line.
Annie
Nov 3, 2018
A superbly written story of war....clever, sad, funny, very enjoyable.
Jackie
Nov 2, 2018
Entertaining, hilarious, touching, wonderful acting. Couldn’t have asked for a better night on the west end- I would go see this again. Easily!
Julie
Oct 30, 2018
This play is a must! So brilliant x funny x sad x thought provoking x just amazing! Fabulous acting x Superbly written and based on a true story x You will not be disappointed
Gill Baker
Oct 27, 2018
Surpassed my expectations. Cleverly written and directed. High energy performances, amusing, satirical and moving.