In 1928 a journalist asked George Mallory why he wanted to climb Everest. Mallory said Because its there.Joe Simpsons memoir Touching the Void international bestseller and BAFTAwinning film charts his struggle for survival on the perilous Siula Grande mountain in the Peruvian Andes aged twentyfive.Adapted for the stage by David Greig Joes story explodes into a bold theatrical fantasia. We discover the countercultural world of Alpine climbing and the sensual joy of the mountains we bear witness to the appalling moment when Joes climbing partner Simon Yates battered by freezing winds and tethered to the injured Simpson makes the critical decision to cut the rope.Tense funny and inquisitive Touching the Void explores the minds extraordinarily rich reservoirs of strength and imagination when teetering on the edge of death.David Greigs Touching the Void premiered at Bristol Old Vic Bristol in September 2018.