An adaptation of Jerome K. Jerome’s classic novella *Three Men in a Boat* is currently playing at the Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames, offering audiences a lively and updated take on the late Victorian tale. The production, directed by Christopher Haydon, follows three friends—Harris, George, and Jerome—and their fox terrier Montmorency as they embark on a boating journey along the Thames. The performance runs through October 10.
The story centers on the companions’ trip from Kingston toward Oxford, where Harris is set to marry. Rose Theatre visitors can expect a blend of humor, music, and thoughtful reflection woven into a narrative that balances the lighthearted spirit of the original text with a contemporary sensibility. The adaptation by Al Smith rearranges the chronology to create momentum while preserving key episodes from the novella.
The cast features Brontë Barbé as the eccentric Harris, Richard David-Caine as a mourning George, and Jonny Weldon portraying the hypochondriac Jerome. Notably, the character of George is reimagined as a recently widowed doctor, allowing the production to explore themes of bereavement and loss through a poignant monologue—an element that echoes a darker episode from the source material involving a floating corpse.
Montmorency, the mischievous fox terrier who in the original is known for his antics against ankles, cats, and other dogs, appears here as an endearing rag puppet animated by Calum Donald-Bruce. The puppetry adds a playful dynamic and brings moments of meta-humor to the stage.
Musical elements are integral to this 135-minute show, featuring eight songs composed by Grant Olding. The score draws inspiration from a variety of genres referenced in the novella, including Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, music hall, and even a pastiche of Tchaikovsky’s ballet music during a swan river sequence. These musical interludes contribute to a vibrant, occasionally surreal atmosphere, though slapstick comedy remains the dominant tone throughout.
Overall, the production offers a jaunty and accessible interpretation of a work often regarded as an emblem of an idyllic and witty lost England, while also acknowledging its more somber contemplations on religion, society, and mortality.