While the play offers a bit of comfort for those struggling to move forward in their life in a warmly affectionate way, Getting over Everest seems to run out of things to say towards the end. 

Libby is going through a tough breakup. This leads her to do all kinds of things – including leaving cringy voicemail messages on her ex’s phone. But soon she spirals out of control and into depression as she tries to move forward with her life.

Written and starring Natasha Santos, Getting Over Everest is a warm hearted, affectionate and (occasionally) awkward look at how you can discover who you really are in the toughest of times. But more than this, the piece also offers an insight into how quickly self-doubt can then lead to more serious mental health issues, impacting on your life.

Throughout, the writing is perceptive and Santos really gets to the heart of why it can be such a struggle to more on from an emotionally traumatic event – particularly seen as Libby rants and raves at her boss or when she finally breaks down in front of a nurse. But while the writing is humorous and relatable, there are moments when it feels a bit too trivial to be seen to make a strong impact on the audience – such as when it is clear to what extent Libby is struggling (genuinely unsure if any woman would be crying into a pair of boxers in the ladies in the aftermath of a break up – but who knows?) the situations at times just feel a bit too over the top to be realistic. Towards the end, it also becomes clear that perhaps Getting Over Everest is running out of things to say, with some of the jokes wearing thin that can be slightly frustrating.

Directed by Katherine Timms, there are some excellent performances to be enjoyed not least Grace Dunne as Steph whose support is invaluable to Libby even if she doesn’t realise it. Dunne has a great natural sense of humour that compliments Natasha Santos’s performance as Libby perfectly. Through her performance as Libby, the audience really get a sense of just how much Lobby is struggling – the strain and anxiety clear on her face as she constantly rings her ex Rob or the awkwardness as she talks to a guy in a bar – it is at times painfully awkward to watch but it is also completely relatable.

The way in which it is all presented feels slightly clumsy and doesn’t make full use of the cast properly – particularly when Libby is expressing herself through monologues there are times when Grace Dunne and George Vafakis are standing awkwardly behind her for no real purpose.

However, despite this Getting Over Everest is an entertaining piece that ultimately offers a bit of positivity for all those who are either suffering a bit of heartache or struggling to find their way forward in life.

By Emma Clarendon

Getting Over Everest continues to play as part of the Camden Fringe at the Tristan Bates Theatre until the 11th August. For more information visit: https://www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk/whats-on/getting-over-everest

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐