The Wiper Times

Watermill Theatre @ Newbury

Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s smash-hit comedy, The Wipers Times, returns to the Watermill stage, where this extraordinary story premiered, to kick off the theatre’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

Based on the true story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the First World War, The Wipers Times follows two British officers who discover a printing press in a bombed-out building in Ypres – or ‘Wipers’, as the soldiers called it. With enemy shells raining down around them, they set about producing a newspaper for the troops: resolutely cheerful, gloriously subversive and packed with jokes, spoofs and sketches designed to lift the spirits of the men on the frontline.

This riotous stage adaptation brings its pages to life, revealing the extraordinary resilience, camaraderie and comic spirit of the men who refused to let the horrors of war have the final word.

A true story of laughter in the darkest of times, The Wipers Times proves that sometimes the best weapon against adversity is a very good joke.

Awarded Theatre of the Year 2026 by The Stage Awards, we are promised a wonderful evening of theatre and food. Hot on the heels of our very popular first-ever visit to the wonderful Watermill Theatre, Newbury, here’s a new opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of this much-lauded venue.