A HAIR-RAISING tale of tragedy and survival in the mountains is being staged by the Oxford Playhouse, bringing high altitude thrills to audiences safely at home.

Touching The Void live is a dramatic staging of Joe Simpson’s best-selling book – and subsequent BAFTA-winning film – which recounts an ill-fated climbing expedition to the Peruvian Andes.

The livestream will bring in much-needed funds to the Beaumont Street theatre which has been practically closed to live audiences for over a year.

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It tells the true story of Simpson’s exploits with climbing partner Simon Yates during their perilous descent of Siula Grande and a dramatic struggle for survival after a fall into a crevasse. It follows the dilemma of how far we should go to save a life even if it threatens our own survival.

War Horse director Tom Morris’s production, filmed onstage at the Bristol Old Vic, is shot using a groundbreaking multi-camera set-up and 3D soundscape, to present the death-defying action and life-changing decisions at dizzying heights in as realistic an experience as possible to viewers at home.

Josh Williams (Joe) in Touching The Void by Joe Simpson. ©Tristram Kenton

Josh Williams (Joe) in Touching The Void by Joe Simpson. ©Tristram Kenton

A Playhouse spokeswoman promised a thrilling experience, saying: “What happens when you look death squarely in the face and how do you find the strength to crawl back towards life?

“Following its sold-out world premiere in Bristol and a critically acclaimed West End run, Touching the Void is restaged to tell the extraordinary story of survival in the face of adversity, based on Joe Simpson’s best-selling memoir. It’s a thrilling, death-defying adventure in the comfort of your living room.”

The show is part of a new programme of virtual and live theatre from the Playhouse as it opens up after lockdown.

The show will be staged from May 26-29. Tickets start at £15 from 01865 305305 or oxfordplayhouse.com