True-life mountaineering drama Touching the Void will come to life at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate—30 years after the publication of Joe Simpson’s best-selling memoir.
The book charts his battle back from the brink of death on the treacherous Siula Grande Mountain. Alongside this struggle is the dilemma of his climbing partner Simon Yates, perched on an unstable cliff, clinging onto the rope tying him to the severely injured Joe. Unable to recover Joe from the void, Simon is faced with the agonising decision whether to cut the rope that binds them.
Touching the Void is a co-production involving Bristol Old Vic, The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Fuel as well as Royal and Derngate.
Bristol Old Vic’s Tom Morris directs the play which has been adapted by Royal Lyceum’s David Greig from Simpson’s memoir which also became a BAFTA-winning film.
Morris said, “after 12 years of dreaming, I’m thrilled finally to be able to direct this quintessential story of survival which has become a classic in its own lifetime. This play looks at the life-changing decisions of two extraordinary men whose story has transcended mountaineering history. They are individuals who faced agonising choices and triumphed in a battle for life itself.”
Josh Williams plays Joe Simpson. Edward Hayter makes his professional debut as Simon Yates. Fiona Hampton is Sarah and Patrick McNamee takes the role of Richard.
Designer is Ti Green. Jon Nicholls is sound designer and composer, Chris Davey is lighting designer and Sasha Milavic Davies is movement director.
Touching the Void runs on the Royal stage from Tuesday 9 until Saturday 20 October. It can also be seen at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, from 24 January until 16 February 2019.