Jack Thorne’s ‘When Winston went to War with the Wireless’ sets initial cast

Katy Rudd will direct Adrian Scarborough and Stephen Campbell Moore in a politically-charged play, with performances at the Donmar Warehouse this summer.

BBC scandals take centre stage in Jack Thorne’s When Winston went to War with the Wireless. The play begins previews at the Donmar Warehouse on 2 June, ahead of an opening night on 13 June, and performances to 29 July.

In 1920s Britain, there were two popular news sources: The British Gazette, edited by Chancellor of the Exchequer Winston Churchill, and the British Broadcasting Company, led by John Reith. As the pair demand control, they must decide what counts as “truth.”

Adrian Scarborough will play Winston Churchill, with Stephen Campbell Moore as John Reith. Further casting will be announced at a later date.

“Adrian is going to dazzle as the younger Churchill we’ve barely seen before, and Stephen will delight in bringing all the Gary Lineker shades in Reith. The BBC has constantly found itself pinched by Government crows, this was the first pinching and it feels an ever more apposite time to bring it to the stage,” said playwright Jack Thorne.

Katy Rudd directs, with design by Laura Hopkins, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, movement direction by Scott Graham, and music by Gary Yershon.

When Winston Went to War with the Wireless is at the Donmar Warehouse.

Photo credit: When Winston Went to War with the Wireless (Photo by Johan Persson)