Three Men in a Boat, plus a dog, is a spectacular feat of musical comedy directed by Christopher Haydon. Based on a 19th-century novel of the same name, it follows three friends: Jerome (Jonny Weldon), Harris (Bronté Barbé) and George (Richard David-Cane), as Jerome organises a boat trip from Kingston to Oxford as a stag do for Harris. What should have been a picturesque and pleasant trip down the Thames becomes a succession of comic mishaps, misunderstandings and increasingly absurd situations. A splendid contributor to this mayhem is Jerome’s mischievous dog, Montmorency, brought to life through Calum Donald-Bruce’s puppetry. Having the journey begin in Kingston also gives the play a particularly fitting local connection.
The play is an absolute visual treat, with a delightful production design that constantly finds new ways to make the stage part of the comedy. The moving set, falling props, exploding bulbs, bursting floors, and controlled breaking of the fourth wall give it a relentless jolt of energy. You find yourself wanting the chaos to keep escalating, and the staging frequently turns relatively simple comic ideas into elaborate physical sequences. The costume and set design also deserve praise for their vivid depiction of the riverbanks, moving maze, and the period in which the story is set.
It is a commendable adaptation by Al Smith of a Victorian-era comic novel for a modern audience, while retaining its British charm and cheeky humour. It derives much of its humour from the excellent performances of all four cast members, who play off each other with an almost instinctive rhythm.
The physical comedy is where this play shines most. There are numerous sequences executed with impressive precision, and staging that elevates the performance. The stage choreography is particularly enjoyable: from original musical numbers that humorously reveal what the characters really think of each other, to a fight sequence with an army of swans, to hallucinations brought on by consuming some of the most rancid cheese imaginable. Each sequence shows how much comic potential can be extracted from movement, timing and staging.
There is also an interesting looseness to the performance. The somewhat anticipated moments of improvisation and audience interaction blend surprisingly well with the play’s rhythm. This self-aware approach works well and makes the chaos feel more genuine.
There are, however, certain points where it feels less assured. Some of the jokes can feel a bit dated, particularly when compared to the more contemporary humour elsewhere in the play. While there are also brief moments of vulnerability, they can feel somewhat abrupt, with little build-up. One moment in particular feels almost like a sudden shift from relentless comedy to vulnerability before it quickly pulls itself back towards humour. It has so many inventive ideas for physical comedy, staging and character interaction that it sometimes struggles to distinguish between what is amusing and what is necessary. Fortunately, the energy of the performances carries most of these moments along.
Three Men in a Boat is quite close to a comedic masterpiece that shines in every aspect – music, stage design, direction, puppetry and, of course, comedy. It makes excellent use of the space and successfully combines old-fashioned comic adventure with contemporary theatrical techniques. It is an elaborate production that feels larger than life. It is chaotic, inventive and frequently very funny.
Reviewer: Prateek Sonny
Reviewed: 23rd September 2026
North West End UK Rating: