Camille Ucan is set to make a splash with the world premiere of their debut play Three Hens in a Boat, a comedy inspired by Jerome K. Jerome’s classic Three Men in a Boat. This heartfelt play explores intergenerational family dynamics through a hilarious hen do adventure on the River Thames.
With a background in comedy and acting, Camille Ucan brings a unique perspective to the stage. Known for roles in Lee and Dean and The Horne Section, Ucan’s writing also includes work on several children’s TV shows.
Three Hens in a Boat will run from 1 May to 17 May at Reading Rep Theatre and from 22 May to 7 June at The Watermill Theatre. Tickets can be booked now via the respective theatre websites. Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience that celebrates family, love, and laughter.
You’re bringing Three Hens in a Boat to Reading Rep Theatre and The Watermill Theatre. What can you tell us about the show?
It’s a comedy about three generations of women from the same family who are on a joint hen party, so the grandmother, mother and daughter are all engaged to be married!
How did you draw inspiration from Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat for your play, and what changes did you make to create a female-led narrative?
The characters in the book meander along the river and I have kept the (mostly gorgeous, sometimes grimy!) backdrop of the Thames and their journey along it as the setting for the play. However, I’ve done away with the Victorian lads and replaced them with brand new characters and a new story, although Monty the dog still makes an appearance! I have also reimagined some of my favourite funny set pieces from the book and woven them into the narrative.
Can you share any memorable moments or challenges from the writing process of Three Hens in a Boat?
Finding out there wasn’t actually going to be water on stage felt like a massive thing because I’d been imagining the characters on the boat actually being on a set made of water. But luckily I avoided having a full-on diva meltdown after seeing what Jasmine, the designer had come up with and it’s amazing! I realised my job is to try and create the most interesting characters and story I can, not to worry about the set design!
How do you think the audience will connect with the themes of family dynamics and intergenerational relationships in the show?
I reckon everyone and anyone will be able to connect with someone or something in the show. I think it’s a reminder that as you get older your relationship with your parents and grandparents change, the dynamics shift and hierarchies are challenged. For me that tension is a great source of drama and humour.
What do you hope audiences take away from the performance in terms of the importance of family and love?
Most people have a love-hate relationship with someone in their family and can usually laugh about it (I hope!). But if they were forced to spend three days on a boat with someone they love and hate in equal measure I don’t think it would all be plain sailing! I hope audiences experience the characters joys and sorrows and maybe relate to that familiar push and pull we all have with our families.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Three Hens in a Boat?
I would really love for you take a punt on Three Hens in a Boat. If you’re a fan of Three Men in a Boat, come and watch this fresh new take on it! If you’re not a fan of the book, come and watch because it’s really different! Local theatres need people like you to keep showing up. There’s nothing quite like sitting in a room full of people, laughing and experiencing live theatre together.
