In Defence of Adventurous Mothers

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 had it all at their feet - 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 chase the extraordinary? 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.

This edition of in defence of adventurous mothers was published to coincide with the production at The Glitch in July 2025.

Simon Marshall is a playwright, poet and participation producer from Derbyshire. His writing explores place, belonging and ambition. He was an Associate Poet for Derby Poetry Festival 2024 and his previous work includes: the Stage Award-winning Odyssey with Plus One, BONFIRE regional tour 2023, The Fossil Kids Sheffield Theatres 2023 and the audio play kilburn (not london), heard worldwide.