London Theatre | Rose Theatre Kingston | Until Saturday 10 October 2026
Jerome, George and Harris are lifelong friends who always jump in when one of them is in a spot of bother. So what could possibly go wrong on a carefree boat trip up the Thames, from leafy Kingston to Oxford’s dreaming spires? Only torrential rain, an alarmingly eccentric dog, a hallucination brought on by some truly rancid cheese, and a flock of very angry swans.
Three Men in a Boat is a brand-new comic stage version of Jerome K Jerome’s much-loved 1889 novel, written by Al Smith and directed by the Rose’s Artistic Director Christopher Haydon. The theatre sums it up as Jeeves and Wooster meets Apocalypse Now. Here are five reasons to go.
1. The story starts right outside the door
There can’t be a better venue for this show. Jerome’s three friends set off from Kingston, and the Rose Theatre sits just a short stroll from the very stretch of the Thames where their misadventure begins.
Local landmarks along the river, such as the famous maze at Hampton Court Palace, are part of the fun. Make an afternoon of it with a riverside walk before curtain up, and you’ll feel like you’ve joined the voyage.
2. It’s a world premiere
This is the first time Al Smith’s adaptation has been seen anywhere, so Kingston audiences are the very first to see it. Smith is a prolific writer for stage, radio and television, and he has given the Victorian classic a lively modern spin while keeping the three friends, the boat and, of course, the dog.
3. Big-hearted silliness, with songs
Forget a stiff period drama. This is full-on comedy, with physical comedy created by John Nicholson (Tweedy’s Massive Circus) and original songs by Tony nominee Grant Olding, who wrote the music for the hit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors.
Fans of the book will recognise favourite episodes such as the stuffed trout, the bagpipes and the rat stew, all given a riotous theatrical twist, along with a pitched battle against those swans. If you enjoy the anarchic spirit of a good pantomime, this is the one for you.
4. A cast full of comic talent
Jonny Weldon, from Disney+’s Rivals and Netflix’s One Day, plays Jerome. Bronté Barbé, from Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder! and Newsies, plays Harris. Richard David-Caine, known for the BBC’s Horrible Histories and the National Theatre’s The Witches, plays George.
5. Montmorency the dog
In the novel, the fox terrier Montmorency is arguably the funniest character of all, and here he comes to life as a puppet worked by Calum Donald-Bruce. The puppet was designed and made by Charlie Tymms, with puppetry direction from Chris Pirie. Keep an eye on him: he has a habit of stealing every scene he’s in.
Tickets and info
Three Men in a Boat
Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL
Until Saturday 10 October 2026, with evening performances and selected matinees (check the Rose website for times)
Running time: about 2 hours 20 minutes, including an interval
Age guidance: 12+ (under-14s must be accompanied)
Tickets: from around £18, with prices varying by date and seat
Nearest station: Kingston
Access performances
Relaxed performance: Tuesday 29 September
Audio described: Tuesday 6 October and Saturday 10 October (evening), with touch tours beforehand
Captioned: Saturday 10 October, 2.30pm
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