Don't Rock the Boat | The Mill at Sonning

Arthur Bullhead (Steven Pinder) is an obnoxious, self-made developer. More importantly, he is the proud owner of a newly renovated houseboat. In the desperate attempt to close the deal of his career, he plans a weekend getaway with his wife and rebellious teenage daughter and invites the local planning committee chairman and his family to join them. Naturally, chaos ensues very quickly.

Don’t Rock the Boat follows a tried-and-true formula: two starkly contrasting characters confined in an increasingly tense situation, inevitably heading toward a dramatic—and often comedic—explosion. This setup provides a solid foundation for conflict and humour, and to its credit, the play delivers on these fronts with energy and charm. However, the script struggles to move beyond this well-worn structure.

While it is certainly entertaining, it rarely deviates from the predictable course established in its opening scenes. From the outset, it’s evident that the idyllic weekend getaway will unravel, and in that regard, the story follows through as expected. But therein lies the very heart of the problem: nearly every plot twist feels fated, and moments that could have surprised or delighted instead land with a sense of inevitability. The result is a lingering sense of frustration—not because the play fails, but because it rarely dares to take a creative risk or subvert audience expectations.

Supposedly set in the 1990s, this book feels even more outdated. Driven by a carefully curated agenda, the script leans on somewhat misogynistic character portrayals, and it feels as though the play – barring any modern rewrites – should have been set much earlier. Its female characters’ activity is dictated by the men’s decisions – with Mary Bullhead spending most of her time in the kitchen or cleaning, and the Coombes daughter constantly seeking her father’s approval.

In parallel, however, we are given the ‘rebellious’ Bullhead daughter (Francesca Barrett) who does not seem to care about what anyone thinks of her. This free-spirited character is the only one who appears to anchor the script closer to the 21st century than the 19th . For a contemporary audience, especially one attuned to more nuanced and progressive storytelling, Don’t Rock the Boat is unlikely to find its relevance on today’s stage.

That being said, we are given progress within the character of Carol Coombes – the chairman’s wife. At first, she appears like the perfect housewife, never an ill thought or a misplaced act. But as the play progresses, she realises how utterly bored she is of her static life. She takes the young daughters as example and dares to venture past the traditional values she thought she could count on. Rachel Fielding is pitch-perfect in the role, capturing Carol’s internal conflict with finesse. She balances restraint with emotional depth, making the character’s evolution feel authentic rather than forced. Fielding’s delivery is laced with sharp wit and a simmering intensity that brings Carol to life. Whether delivering a barbed remark or standing in contemplative silence, she commands the stage with an assured presence. Her performance is both grounded and dynamic—elevating a character who might otherwise have faded into the background and giving the audience someone to genuinely root for.

The set design by Jackie Hutson is beautifully immersive, featuring a fully furnished houseboat complete with an unexpected water feature. The production felt more like a film than a traditional stage performance, a sensation enhanced by the venue’s intimate layout— with just over 200 seats and 6 rows. The overall design of the show is perfectly on point and makes the experience for the audience all the more enjoyable.

The show is currently playing at The Mill at Sonning, a unique theatre and restaurant hybrid nestled along the Thames—a venue that offers far more than just a performance. Guests are treated to a lush two-course meal in the charming riverside dining room before moving into the theatre space, which maintains an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. The overall experience feels thoughtfully curated, allowing audiences to fully unwind and enjoy a day of

culture and comfort. While the play itself may lack originality or narrative risk, the setting elevates the outing into something memorable. In many ways, it's the venue—rather than the material—that leaves the most lasting impression.

Despite its flaws, Don’t Rock the Boat is a charming, well-acted production that thrives on its setting and performances rather than on originality or surprise. While the plot may follow a predictable course, the atmosphere, design, and exceptional acting provide enough buoyancy to keep the show afloat. For a light-hearted evening accompanied by good food and intimate theatre, it’s well worth the trip.

Don't Rock the Boat runs at The Mill at Sonning until 06th September 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Pamela Raith