“I’d love to say it was Mum’s voice which rallied me on. But it wasn’t. It wasn’t even Miley Cyrus’. It was mine.”

Growing up, Theo and Nancy were ready to conquer the world – the next generation of a Derbyshire climbing dynasty, with a mother who was somewhat of a legend in the mountaineering world. Until one day, their mother doesn’t make it home from an expedition.

The two siblings are left to pick up the pieces of a broken world. And as their life begins to take shape, they are faced with a decision – do they follow in their mum’s footsteps, risking it all to conquer the world’s highest peaks? Or can they find adventure at ground level, on the trails more frequently travelled?

A story shared by two siblings on vastly different paths, in defence of adventurous mothers is an intimate and life-affirming exploration of love, loss, and what we leave behind. Join Theo and Nancy for the adventure of the summer as they chart their own paths in the shadow of their adventurous mother. We’ll see you on the mountain!

in defence of adventurous mothers is the VCA Playwriting Award winner 2026.

Information

Address: The Glitch, 134 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7AE

Preview Dates: Weds 9th and Thurs 10th July

Performance Dates: Fri 11th July to Mon 4th August (closed Tuesdays)

Performance Times: 19:00 everyday except Tuesdays. 14:00 on Thursdays and Saturdays

Price: £15/£10

PLEASE NOTE: Given the nature of the show, LATECOMERS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.