Following their The Wipers Times in the West End and on tour, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman's new play Trial By Laughter, based on their BBC Radio 4 drama, is also based on real events. It will be co-produced by Trademark Touring and Watermill Theatre, playing at the latter for six weeks in September before a UK tour.
In 1817, bookseller, publisher and satirist William Hone stood trial for "parodying religion, the despotic government and the libidinous monarchy". Hislop and Newman rediscover this "forgotten hero of free speech" and ask if just over two hundred years later our press has any greater freedom.
The cast includes Helena Antoniou (Lady Hertford), Philippe Edwards (Sidmouth), Jeremy Lloyd (Prince Regent), Peter Losasso (Cruickshank), Nicholas Murchie (Justice Abbott / Duke of York), Joseph Prowen (Hone), Eva Scott (Lady Conyngham / Sarah) and Dan Tetsell (Lord Ellenborough).
Ian Hislop and Nick 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 work to life on stage with this funny, inspiring and true story of a satirical David versus Goliath."
Trial by Laughter will be directed by Caroline Leslie and designed by Dora Schweitzer with lighting design by Matt Leventhall and sound by Steve Mayo.