The Climbers At Theatre By The Lake, Keswick Review

Reviewed by Jo Hardy

The Climbers written by Carmen Nasr is having it’s world premiere at Theatre by the Lake.  Even though it’s set in Nepal it seems to have a real connection to Keswick and Theatre by the Lake with it’s stunning lakeside setting is the perfect place for it’s premiere, I think it’s because of the climbing, the dramatic scenery and the love of nature and the outdoors.

With a cast of six the story is built around the two main characters Yasmin and Charle, a young married couple.  We follow them as they excitedly plan and then embark on their “dream trip” to climb Mount Everest. The play is a difficult one the categorise.  I can only describe it as a mystery come love story with a sprinkling of a ghost story.  Whatever your tastes I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.  It is a captivating story from start to finish.

When I entered the theatre the stage was set with huge white peaks, lit in stark white, to represent the Himalayas.  It may of been the sound effects in the background but I did feel like the temperature had dropped.  The show starts by Yasmin descending a climbing rope from the top of the stage.  As she hits the floor the scene is immediately transformed into an interview room with Yasmin being questioned by private detective Connie who has been hired by Charlie’s mother to investigate what really happened on the climb to Mount Everest.  I never like to give away the whole story in my reviews, but during the play you will find out more about the relationship between Yasmin and Charlie.  Is it really as idyllic as you first thought? You will hear more about the life of a Sherpa and their relationship with the people they guide is there some resentment.  Are they appreciated enough for risking their own lives? and the most shocking to me, you’ll hear about all the bodies that are lost, stuck and frozen in the mountains that other climbers come across and even have to climb over! and the spooky tales of then wandering around at night looking for food! It’s not all about the drama.  There are some lighter humorous moments, a little bit of music and dancing too.
The set design and lighting in this production is just amazing.  All the acting is very strong and convincing.  At the end of it I felt like I’d been on a real adventure.

The show is 120 minutes long and there is an interval.
It is running at Theatre by the Lake from 17th June to 16th July.
Shows start at 7.30pm with a matinee on some dates.
Ticket prices are from £39 to £10 with £10 tickets available for under 16’s and students under 26.  They can be purchased online from theatrebythelake.com.

There will also be a pre show discussion on 2nd July with Rebecca Stephenson MDE, the first woman from Great Britain to climb Everest.  She will be talking about her love of mountains and the lessons she has learnt while climbing them.  This event is free to The Climbers ticket holders but must be booked.

Rating: 5/5