FOLLOWING a day when torrential rain and floods made the headlines, I settled back to enjoy Tuesday’s opening night of Three Men In A Boat at the Civic Theatre.

And like a crackling log fire and a hearty broth in a good, old-fashioned pub, this production by The Original Theatre Company revived damp spirits and warmed the soul with its gentle, off-beat humour and musical interjections.

Based on Jerome K Jerome’s novel of the same name, it has been adapted by Craig Gilbert and follows the misadventures of three men (and a dog) who decide to de-stress with a boating holiday on the River Thames.

However, as with all the best-laid plans, they encounter a few challenges, including an attack by swans on Harris (played by Tom Hackney), the discovery of a corpse and some fishy tales about a trout made of plaster.

The author of the tale, J, is played by Alastair Whatley, with Christopher Brandon as George, the work-shy banker, who also takes on the roles of various characters encountered on the trip. The pub pianist, Sue Appleby, acts as the perfect foil to the hapless trio’s mishaps. And then of course there is Montmorency, who puts in his bark’s-worth.

The story is set in a 19th Century Surrey pub, in Victoria Spearing’s imaginative design, and allows the action to move from J’s flat to the river by way of a pub table and chairs.

This is a gem of a play and well worth a punt.

Until Saturday, evenings at 7.30pm, matinees today, at 2pm, and Saturday, at 2.30pm. Box office 01325-486555 and online at darlingtonarts.co.uk

Review : Jackie Craft