Thames TV
Comics recreate Three Men In A Boat
Comedians Griff Rhys-Jones, Rory McGrath and Dara O'Briain have recreated the journey that inspired Three Men In A Boat for a new TV show.
And the trio even stripped off on camera as they recreated the 1889 novel’s skinnydipping scene.
The three comics yesterday landed in Oxford, having spent a week travelling the Thames from Kingston in a replica Victorian skiff, following the journey of author Jerome K Jerome as faithfully as possible. They moored where the original protagonists moored and stayed in some of the same pubs and guesthouses.
BBC Two commissioning executive Gilly Hall said: ‘It's not intended as an exact recreation, but more an opportunity for three funny men to entertain audiences with themes that have already amused and delighted generations of readers.’
The original characters - Jerome K Jerome, George, Harris and Montmorency the dog - travelled with an selection of food supplies and just two changes of linen, intending to bathe and wash their clothes in the river.
A BBC spokesman said: 'There promises to be an unprecedented show of flesh from the three comic actors.'
Their exploits are due for broadcast at Christmas, in two hour-long programmes.
Published: 14 Sep 2005
