Theatre News

World premiere of Ian Hislop play part of new Watermill season

”The Wipers Times” will premiere in September as part of The Watermill’s new season

Ian Hislop, Rufus Norris and Tom Chambers
Ian Hislop, Rufus Norris and Tom Chambers
© Dan Wooller

The Watermill Theatre have announced their 2016 season with highlights including an adaptation of the classic Broadway musical Crazy For You and a world premiere from Nick Newman and satirical writer Ian Hislop.

Written by Newman and Hislop, The Wipers Times will be a new stage adaptation of the award-winning BBC film. Directed by Caroline Leslie, the production is based on the true story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the Somme and will run from 22 September to 29 October.

Elsewhere in the season, Watermill artistic director Paul Hart will direct Gershwins' Broadway classic, Crazy For You which will star Strictly Come Dancing winner and Top Hat star Tom Chambers as Bobby. The production will run from 28 July to 17 September.

Other highlights include an adaptation of Frankenstein (31 October to 4 November) and Bill Buckhurst directing Rufus Norris' critically acclaimed adaptation of Sleeping Beauty (17 November to 1 January 2017).

Paul Hart commented: "I'm delighted to announce the second half of my inaugural programme here at The Watermill. We're thrilled to open The Wipers Times, to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. The intimate space of our converted mill will be transformed to the glamour of Broadway for our summer musical Crazy For You and we’re delighted to welcome Bill Buckhurst to direct an immersive Christmas treat for families."