Following critical acclaim for The Wipers Times, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman have once again taken inspiration from real life events for their new play Trial by...
Read MoreAge guidance: 14+
Running time: Approx. 2hrs 15mins (incl. interval)
Location

Trial by Laughter
Following critical acclaim for The Wipers Times, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman have once again taken inspiration from real life events for their new play Trial by Laughter.
William Hone, the forgotten hero of free speech, was a bookseller, publisher and satirist. In 1817, he stood trial for ‘impious blasphemy and seditious libel’. The only crime he had committed was to be funny. Worse than that he was funny by parodying religious texts. And worst of all, he was funny about the despotic government and the libidinous monarchy.
Don’t miss the post-show Q&A with writers Ian Hislop and Nick Newman on Tue 19 Feb - strictly for Tue 19 Feb ticket holders only.
A trademark Touring & Watermill Theatre production.

Trial by Laughter
There are no booking fees for this production.
However, all bookings made through ATG Tickets for this venue are subject to a £3.65 Transaction fee.
Trial by Laughter Access
Access Booking line: 0800 912 6971
Babes in Arms Policy
Children under the age of 18 months will not require a seat and can remain on the lap of the attending adult. Children over this age must therefore have a seat purchased for them.
Richmond Theatre Visual Story
A visual resource to help prepare visitors for a new experience and to help them become familiar with new surroundings and what to expect. Click here to download it
Dementia-Friendly Performances at Richmond Theatre
- Audio Description None scheduled
- Sign Language Interpreted None scheduled
- Captioned None scheduled
- SUR Titles None scheduled
- Relaxed Performances None scheduled
The Stalls, Stalls Bar and an adapted toilet are accessible to wheelchair users. Please note this
venue does not have a lift and access for wheelchair users is restricted to the
Stalls level only.
We're pleased to introduce MobileConnect to our venue, a WiFi-based system for accessible hearing. Easy and convenient to use, you can download the app direct to your smartphone. We also have a limited number of iPods available in venue for you to hire if hearing assistance is required during a show.
Speak to a member of staff on arrival and we will be happy to assist in setting you up!
Hearing dogs and guide dogs are welcome in the theatre. Please inform the Box Office at the time of making your booking.
There is an adapted toilet on the Stalls level.
Richmond Theatre Information
The Green
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 1QJ
By Car:
Approach by the A316.
By Train:
20 minutes from Waterloo (SW Trains), 15 minutes by tube (District Line) from Hammersmith or London Overground from North London.
By Bus:
Bus routes 27, 33, 37, 65 and 71 all pass nearby the theatre. For more details visit TFL.
Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 10pm and Sun 10am - 8pm (hours may vary on bank holidays)
Groups Bookings : 0333 009 5397Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge
Access Bookings : 0800 912 6971Stage Door / Admin:* : 020 8332 4500
ATG continues to make the safety and security of its customers and staff a priority. As such, please bear in mind that we may undertake bag checks, so recommend you leave extra time to avoid queues, and refrain from bringing suitcases rucksacks and large bags into the Theatre. Many thanks for your cooperation.
Babes in Arms Policy
Children under the age of 18 months will not require a seat and can remain on the lap of the attending adult. Children over this age must therefore have a seat purchased for them.
Celebrating a special occasion or entertaining clients? Book for the thrill of a spectacular show and spoil yourself with the luxury of your own private reception away from the crowds. Email [email protected] for more details
Take a peek behind the scenes and learn about the secrets of Richmond Theatre. Contact 0208 332 4500 for more details.

To pick your own seats for Trial by Laughter at Richmond Theatre simply find the performances you'd like to see from the listings below and you'll be given the option.
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JOIN THEATRE CARD MORE INFOClassic
- Priority booking
- Priority seat selection
- No booking fees on most shows
- No transaction fees on all shows
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- Cloakroom pass
- Dedicated booking line
- Beautiful brochures
- Regular newsletters
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- Free ticket protection
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Trial by Laughter Group Bookings
Enquire here
Email: [email protected]
Groups Booking line: 0333 009 5397 Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge
- Reserve now, pay later
- No booking fees on selected shows
- Huge savings on the majority of shows
- Easily amendable reservations
- Reserve more than one show at once
- No deposits required
- Reservations are invoiced, and are easy for you to review and check before paying
- Tickets posted free to your door
- Pre-book hospitality packages
Find out more about Group Bookings