Hislop and Newman return to history in Trial by Laughter

Published: 9 May 2018
Reporter: Sheila Connor

Trial By Laughter

Following their The Wipers Times, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman have returned to real-life events for their new play Trial by Laughter, based on their BBC Radio 4 drama of the same name.

The stage version will be developed with Watermill Theatre where it will run from 17 September to 27 October 2018 before heading on a UK tour visiting Guildford, Ipswich, Cheltenham and Brighton, with further venues to be announced.

In 1817, bookseller, publisher and satirist William Hone stood trial for parodying religion, the despotic government and the libidinous monarchy. In 2018, satirists Ian Hislop and Nick Newman rediscover this forgotten hero of free speech and ask if, two hundred years later, our press has any greater freedom.

Hislop and Newman said, "in an age of 'fake news' and increased censorship, free speech and press freedom are still under threat as they were 200 years ago when William Hone took on the might of Royalty and a bullying Tory government.

"Hone dared to ask 'Is laughter treason?'—raising issues which are as relevant now as they were then. It's a tale of lawyers, lechers and libel—with added sedition and blasphemy. It is immensely exciting to bring this world to life on stage, with the funny, inspiring and true story of a satirical David versus Goliath."

Trial by Laughter will be directed by Caroline Leslie. Casting has yet to be announced.

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