It's one of the best-known - and often-told - stories in our history: Sir Ed Hillary and Sherpa Norgay Tenzing's momentous climb to the top of Mt Everest on May 29th, 1953.
But Matt Kambic's new play The Sherpa & the Beekeeper - Summit on Everest explores the downside of fame and other long term effects - both good and bad - on not only the mountain's conquerers, but also the local Nepalese people.
When Hamilton's Meteor Theatre did a shout-out for new scripts for its Boil-up programme, Matt sent in his script. Now, after a few Covid-related curve balls, it's about to go on stage.
The Raglan based writer and director told Lynn Freeman that the play comes from a lifetime of fascination with the Everest story.
The Sherpa & the Beekeeper - Summit on Everest premieres at the Meteor Theatre in Kirikiriroa/ Hamilton on Wednesday May the 25th.