Reviewed by Tricia Shaw
Trial by Laughter, a play by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, dramatizes the trials of William Hone, a 19th century bookseller and publisher of cartoons and satirical pamphlets. His works cause offence to the Regency government and he is subjected to three trials on three consecutive days. William’s defence, aided by his friend and collaborator cartoonist George Cruikshank, is to use humour in order to win over the jury.
The play opens in the court of the Prince Regent where the Prince and his mistresses are met by Sidmouth and Ellenborough; unhappy at their treatment by the pen of William Hone they plan his downfall. The very effective scenery swiftly switches to Hone’s shop where we see him and Cruikshank selling their works.
Hone is swiftly arrested and jailed pending trial building the sense of injustice being meted out to him. At his trial he finds himself without legal representation; his generosity in supporting others has left him penniless so he has no choice but to defend himself the only way he knows – by making the jury and the public laugh.
The scenes switch seamlessly back and forth between the courtroom, the jail, the Hone household and the Southampton Arms, Hone and Cruikshank’s favourite drinking den. Some delightful performances from the cast include in particular Peter Losasso in his role as Cruickshank. Joseph Prowen plays William Hone and is convincing as the jail-weary, poorly prepared satirist who wittily defends himself and his work against the corrupt government and judiciary.
Whilst the setting of the story is historical, the themes of the powerful attempting to silence the critical press are still very relevant today.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £13 to £40.90 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
Trail By Laughter is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 25 February to 2 March 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
