THE LAST SOUTH: PURSUIT OF THE POLE
Adapted from the journals of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott by G.M. Calhoun

Marine Theatre

Sunday 18 May

7pm

£10 (£8 conc)

This dramatic adaptation of the diaries  of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott uses the actual words written by the competing explorers, between 1910 and 1912, powerfully retold by two actors.  The play, to be  presented at the Marine Theatre on Sunday 18th May at 7.00 pm with tickets from Lyme TIC 01297 442138, starts with preparations for the journey and ends in victory for just one team. But could the other cope with being ‘the last south’? This new drama charts the incredible journey of two of the world’s most revered and remembered explorers. Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott were very different heroes from a time when the world had just one remaining unknown to be conquered.  They reveal the worst and best in themselves, their men and each other as they race for the South Pole.

‘The use of the eloquent words of the explorers themselves gives this engaging production real gravitas.’ **** Metro

Calhoun’s adaptation, skilfully crafted from Scott and Amundsen’s expedition diaries, interweaves the two men’s separate but concurrent journeys into a comparative account, told in their own words.  As the two actors reveal the hardships, privations, practicalities and triumphs the explorers experienced, we are transported to an alien landscape as unimaginably hostile as it is awe-inspiring.

‘Anyone who has loved stories such as Touching the Void will find these two accounts wonderfully compelling.’ **** The Scotsman

‘There is much humour, but it is their accounts of the return journeys that are the most poignant.’ **** Evening Standard

David Burt plays Captain Robert Falcon Scott. He has played many RSC, National and West End roles in plays and musicals, and was a member of the original West End cast of Les Misérables.

Christian Olliver plays Roald Amundsen. His stage credits include The 39 Steps in the West End, Loyalties at the Finborough and Iago in Othello at Broadway Theatre.

Writer G.M. Calhoun has portrayed over 200 characters as a professional actor in the USA and has directed

more than 60 shows. He now writes full-time; other work includes Roland, Coupled, and Starting Line.

Director Rob Mulholland has directed four consecutive Edinburgh Fringe First Award-winning productions,

three of which transferred to London’s West End. He has also directed extensively in the USA.