touching the void

Adapted by David Greig from the book by Joe Simpson

director: Tom Morris

composition & sound design: Jon Nicholls

The world stage premiere of David Greig’s adaptation of the survival classic has at its heart  Joe Simpson’s mental battle as he teeters on the very brink of death and despair in a crevasse from which he can’t possibly climb to safety.

Also unforgettable in the story is the appalling dilemma of Simon Yates, perched on an unstable snow-cliff, battered by freezing winds and desperate to rescue the injured Simpson, who hangs from a rope below him. Knowing that they will both ultimately fall into the void, he makes the critical decision to cut the rope, forever changing the lives of both of them.

Touching The Void was originally produced at Bristol Old Vic before touring nationally and running for four months at the Duke Of York’s in the West End.