2 June 2023 - 29 July 2023
WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS
★★★★★
“A tale for the ages… does an excellent job of asking big questions while providing rollicking entertainment” Metro
A true story about truth
In May 1926 Britain grinds to a halt, as workers down tools for The General Strike.
With the printing presses shut down, the only sources of news are the government’s The British Gazette, edited by Chancellor of the Exchequer Winston Churchill, and the independent, fledgling British Broadcasting Company, led by John Reith. What follows is a fierce battle for control of the news and who gets to define the truth.
At a time when the BBC is faced once again with the challenges of impartiality, When Winston Went To War With The Wireless is a gripping new play about the birth of a great British institution by multi award-winning stage and screen writer Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage play, His Dark Materials for BBC One), directed by Katy Rudd (Ocean at the End of the Lane, Eureka Day).
★★★★ “It’s gripping stuff… a riveting, resonant play about the contested arena of truth. It’s also a love letter to radio and its ability to surprise, challenge and transport you.” Financial Times
★★★★ “Utterly compelling... vivaciously directed by Katy Rudd” The Times
★★★★ “A fascinating reminder of how history repeats itself, usually as comedy” Evening Standard
★★★★ “Katy Rudd’s production, the power of which reverberates around the Donmar Warehouse like an echo… a multitalented ensemble cast” The Independent
★★★★ “Thorne triumphantly uses real history to create a compelling drama that is amusing, touching and revealing... Reith, mesmerically played by Stephen Campbell-Moore… Adrian Scarborough’s suave, humorous yet furious and blustering Churchill… Gwynne is glorious in each part she plays… a superb supporting cast bring multiple roles to blazing life” WhatsOnStage
This production is generously supported by Charles Holloway, Season Supporter.
Additionally, we would like to thank our Production Supporters: Charles J Burdick and Mr Rajeev Philip.
Photo of Stephen Campbell Moore and Adrian Scarborough by Johan Persson
RUNNING TIME
2 hours 25 minutes including a 20 minute interval
PLEASE NOTE
This production contains strobe lighting, haze, the smoking of a vapour cigar, and the appearance and firing of a gun
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Evenings Mon – Sat: 7.30pm
Matinees Thu & Sat: 2.30pm
TICKET PRICES*
£60 | £55 | £41 | £21 | £10 standing
PREVIEW PRICES* (2 - 6 June)
£50 | £38 | £19 | £10 standing
Standing tickets are released when all seats are sold
*Tickets are subject to a £1.50 transaction fee, waived for Members
BARCLAYS UNDER 30s £10 TICKETS
To celebrate our 30th birthday and thanks to generous support from our Associate Sponsor Barclays. A limited number of £10 tickets are available for under 30s for every performance. Select seats marked Under 30 on the seating plan when booking and bring proof of age to show when you enter the theatre.
You will need to be aged under 30 on the date of the performance.
YOUNG+FREE
YOUNG+FREE tickets for 16-25 year olds will be released by ballot from two weeks before the first performance. Click here to find out more.
YOUNG+FREE is generously supported by IHS Markit.
CONTENT ADVISORY
We produce a set of content advisories for each production. These detail any content that we think you should be aware of. We try to keep spoilers to a minimum on these advisory pages, but you may find out details that give away key elements of the plot if you read them.
Click here to read the content advisory for the production.
For more information email boxoffice@donmarwarehouse.com
Access
The Donmar Warehouse is fully wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome in the auditorium. There is a Loop system and a Radio Frequency system fitted in the main auditorium and there are also hearing loops at all the front of house counters.
ASSISTED PERFORMANCES
If you require a companion to attend the Donmar, their ticket will be free. To book call 020 3282 3808 or email access@donmarwarehouse.com
For all other access enquiries or bookings call 020 3282 3808.
CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE
Monday 17 July 7.30pm
(captioned by Stagetext)
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE
Saturday 8 July 2.30pm, touch tour at 1pm
(audio described by VocalEyes)
BSL PERFORMANCE
Saturday 22 July 2.30pm
(interpreted by Jan Guest from THEATRESIGN)
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