THREE HENS IN A BOAT

Watermill Theatre

★★★★★

“warm, sincere, contemporary and very funny”

Jerome K Jerome wrote ‘Three Men In A Boat’ in the late 19th century as a humorous travelogue, providing a social comment on Victorian society and leisure, which went on to become one of the most enduring comic novels in English literature. It has indeed never been out of print and has inspired numerous adaptations for stage, radio and television. The book follows three friends (and a dog) as they embark upon a boating holiday up the River Thames from Kingston upon Thames to Oxford.

This production is a long awaited collaboration of two award winning Berkshire theatres, Reading Rep and The Watermill producing a world premiere of Camille Ucan’s debut play ‘Three Hens In A Boat’ lovingly inspired by Jerome’s classic but with a contemporary twist, focusing on three women – a grandmother, mother and daughter – embarking on a hens do with a difference.

From the moment we enter the auditorium the combination of the muted lighting by Jonathan Chan, the charming riverbank setting designed by Jasmine Swan and the subtle yet effective soundscape by Ella Wahlström, creates a sedative effect on the senses transporting us to a timeless part of the Thames. However the modern city looming in the distance, beyond the tranquil meadows, places us firmly in the 21st century. There is even a decent sized skiff on stage which is of course, so central to the voyage.

I absolutely loved this production, transforming it to an all female intergenerational piece is inspired. The audience witness the physical and emotional meanderings of the women as they not only navigate the Thames but the complex mother / daughter relationships of the three generations, whilst understanding the unconditional love that binds them all together. Not only is Camille’s writing warm, sincere, contemporary and very funny, she also plays the role of the ‘woke’ granddaughter. All three of the women’s performances (Verona Rose as the mother and a scene-stealing Ellen O’Grady as the grandmother) were truly sensational. A nod to the composer Lauryn Redding here, who deftly balances the music to suit the mood and different age groups perfectly.

Abigail Pickard Price’s confident direction and inspired use of the small set, together with a stellar cast and production team has created a real gem of a show – a joyful, hilarious yet poignant journey for everyone

THREE HENS IN A BOAT

★★★★★

Watermill Theatre

THREE HENS IN A BOAT

Watermill Theatre

★★★★★

“warm, sincere, contemporary and very funny”