Details

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 debauched monarchy. Along with his great ally, political cartoonist George Cruikshank, Hone sought vindication for his laughable offences and fought for freedom in one of the most remarkable legal cases of its time.

Cast/Performers

Helena Antoniou (Lady Hertford), Philippe Edwards (Sidmouth), Jeremy Lloyd (Prince Regent), Peter Losasso (Cruickshank), Nicholas Murhie (Justice Abbott / Duke of York), Joseph Prowen (Hone), Eva Scott (Lady Conyngham / Sarah), Dan Tetsell (Lord Ellenborough)

Creatives/Company

Author(s): Ian Hislop, Nick Newman
Producer(s): Watermill Theatre, Trademark Touring Production
Director: Caroline Leslie
Design: Dora Schweitzer
Lighting: Matt Leventhall
Sound: Steve Mayo