The Watermill Theatre today announces the cast for its autumn production of The Wipers Times, opening on 22 September until 29 October at The Watermill Theatre, and then on tour to Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield, New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Salisbury Playhouse.
Written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, this stage premiere of their award-winning BBC film will be directed by Caroline Leslie and is a Trademark Touring production and co-commission with The Watermill Theatre.
The Wipers Times tells the extraordinary story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the Somme, illustrated with comic sketches and spoofs. Defying enemy bombardment, gas attacks and the disapproval of many of the top Brass, The Wipers Times rolled off the press for two years and was an extraordinary tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. The production takes place one hundred years after the Battle of the Somme and the first publication of The Wipers Times.
The cast includes Kevin Brewer (Henderson), Eleanor Brown (Kate Roberts/Madame Fifi, Lady Somersby Smith), Sam Ducane (Howfield/MC), James Dutton (Roberts), George Kemp (Pearson), Peter Losasso (Dodd), Jake Morgan (Barnes), Dan Tetsell (General Mitford).
The Wipers Times is designed by Dora Schweitzer, with lighting designed by James Smith and sound designed by Steve Mayo. The composer is Nick Green and musical direction is by Paul Herbert.
The Wipers Times is the second collaboration between The Watermill Theatre and Trademark. A Bunch of Amateurs, also by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, was produced at The Watermill in 2014.
22 September – 29 October 2016
www.watermill.org.uk
Tour Dates
Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
Dates: 3 – 5 November
Box office 0114 249 6000
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Dates: 7 – 12 November
Box office 01473 295900
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Salisbury Playhouse
Dates: 14 – 19 November
Box office 01722 320 333
www.salisburyplayhouse.com
