ACTOR David Partridge is back in Salisbury ready to take to the stage in a production of Three Men in a Boat from January 27 to 31.

Director Craig Gilbert has brought Jerome K Jerome’s 1886 novel into the 21st century with this stage adaptation.

Gilbert’s version was a success in 2012 and 2014 and returns to theatres this year, marking the 125th anniversary of the book. Partridge takes on the role of the original author, known for short as J, who tries to tell the story only to be constantly interrupted by his companions.

Describing his character, the actor said: “I attempt to narrate a journey I take up the Thames with two friends of mine, but it goes a bit wrong because they’re a bit more anarchic than I am.

“I kind of just want to tell this tale in a straight, fairly po-faced way really, but my two friends, the other two men in the boat, would rather it was a bit more jolly than that and they undercut me with a bit of sarcasm.”

The play will feature a full working pub on stage, live piano accompaniment, music hall singing and a dog.

Comedy surrounds the trio as their plan for a relaxing retreat to escape the city stresses descends into chaos.

Performing in Salisbury holds particular significance for Partridge, who was born in Salisbury and later moved to nearby Gillingham.

He attributes his decision to go into acting in part to youth theatre group Stage ’65, which is based at the same Playhouse where he will perform later this month.

Partridge said: “When I was 15 or 16 I got involved in Stage ’65 again with a couple of friends. I had a great time and it was through that really that I got the confidence to apply for drama school.

“It was fairly pivotal. Otherwise I would have just gone the university route and I don’t know what I’d be doing now. So Stage ’65 set me up really.” Partridge has previously appeared in The Recruiting Officer and Bedroom Farce at Salisbury Playhouse.

Tickets for Three Men in a Boat are available from salisbury playhouse.com or 01722 320333