Three Men in a Boat is now playing at Rose Theatre Kingston, turning Jerome K. Jerome’s classic comic novel into a new stage comedy with songs. Al Smith’s world-premiere adaptation runs until 10 October 2026, directed by Rose Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Haydon.
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Three Men in a Boat at a glance
- Where: Rose Theatre, Kingston upon Thames
- When: 18 September–10 October 2026
- Based on: the novel by Jerome K. Jerome
- Writer: Al Smith
- Original songs: Grant Olding
- Director: Christopher Haydon
- Running time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including interval
- Age guidance: 12+
A classic book heads back up the Thames
Jerome K. Jerome’s 1889 novel follows friends Jerome, George and Harris on a boating holiday along the Thames. In this new Rose Theatre production, Al Smith reshapes that famously chaotic trip for the stage, with original songs by Grant Olding and physical comedy woven into the adventure.
The journey starts appropriately close to home in Kingston before heading towards Oxford — with rain, troublesome food, a decidedly memorable dog and assorted disasters getting in the way of anything resembling a peaceful river trip.
Who’s in the cast?
- Jonny Weldon — Jerome
- Bronté Barbé — Harris
- Richard David-Caine — George
- Calum Donald-Bruce — Montmorency / Puppeteer
Christopher Haydon directs, with Grant Olding also responsible for music and lyrics, orchestrations, musical direction and sound design. The wider creative team includes John Nicholson (movement director and comedy consultant), Simon Kenny (set and costume designer), Simisola Majekodunmi (lighting designer), Charlie Tymms (puppet designer and maker) and Chris Pirie (puppetry director).
First look: production gallery
Swipe to explore the production images. Photography: Helen Murray.
Accessible performances
Rose Theatre lists a relaxed performance on 29 September at 6.30pm, audio-described performances with touch tours on 6 October at 6.30pm and 10 October at 7.30pm, and a captioned performance on 10 October at 2.30pm. Check directly with the theatre when booking if you need specific access arrangements.
From page to stage
This is exactly the sort of adaptation we like keeping an eye on at Clarissa’s Corner: a familiar book being given a completely different life in performance. If page-to-stage and screen adaptations are your thing, have a browse through our Books & Films coverage, or head into Theatre & Culture for more shows.
Production photography: Helen Murray.
