The gripping true story of Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa climber who, alongside Edmund Hillary, became the first to reach the summit of Everest.

Tenzing Norgay has dreamed of reaching the top of Everest since he was a boy. But as a Sherpa, he is expected to carry supplies rather than take his place among the climbers. Determined to be treated as an equal, Tenzing fights for his place on the 1953 expedition, eventually joining New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary on the historic journey to the summit. For Tenzing, however, Everest is more than a mountain to conquer: Chomolungma is sacred, and reaching its peak is a deeply personal and spiritual ambition.

Genden Phuntsok gives a powerful performance in the title role, with Tom Hiddleston as Hillary and Willem Dafoe as expedition leader John Hunt. Rather than simply retelling a famous mountaineering triumph, the film puts Tenzing firmly at its centre — celebrating a remarkable climber whose contribution to one of history’s greatest adventures has too often been overshadowed.

Director: Jennifer Peedom

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Tom Hiddleston, Caitríona Balfe, Genden Phuntsok, Tenzin Dalha

Audio Description is available for all screenings of this film. Audio Description headsets provide audio commentary for the visually impaired. Please reserve a headset by calling Box Office on 01684 295074 (or emailing boxo@rosestheatre.org) prior to arrival. Audio Description headsets are undetectable to those not using them.