The Rose Theatre in Kingston has revealed the complete cast and creative team for its upcoming world premiere of Three Men in a Boat, a new comedy adapted by Al Smith from Jerome K Jerome’s classic novel. The production, featuring original songs by Tony Award nominee Grant Olding, opens in September.

Three Men in a Boat, a new stage adaptation by Al Smith, will premiere at the Rose Theatre in Kingston from 18 September to 10 October, with a press performance scheduled for 23 September. The comedy follows friends J, George, Harris, and their dog Montmorency as they embark on a holiday trip along the River Thames.

The cast includes Jonny Weldon (101 Dalmatians) as Jerome, Bronté Barbé (Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!) as Harris, Richard David-Caine (The Witches) as George, and Calum Donald-Bruce (Dinosaur World Live) as Montmorency. Christopher Haydon directs the production.

Original songs and musical direction are provided by Tony Award nominee Grant Olding, who also serves as sound designer. The creative team features John Nicholson as movement director and comedy consultant, Simon Kenny on set and costume design, and Simisola Majekodunmi as lighting designer.

Additional support comes from Juliet Horsley as casting director, Chris Pirie as puppetry director, Claudette Williams as voice and dialect coach, and Rebecca Wear as associate director and Drama League Rose Directing Fellow.

Director Christopher Haydon highlighted the enduring humour of Jerome K Jerome’s novel, saying the adaptation combines verbal wit with physical comedy and emotional depth. He praised Al Smith’s script and Grant Olding’s musical contributions, noting that it evolved from a play into a play with songs.

The production’s story is rooted in Kingston upon Thames, adding a local resonance to the classic tale. The show promises to blend comic musical numbers with narrative storytelling to create a fresh theatrical experience.