WHITE sheets, ropes, ladders, beanbags and a kazoo are among many props used to re-tell the tale of the first men to climb Everest.

The quirky mood of the play is set from the off as cast members hand camping equipment to a mystified audience in the bar before the performance.

Audience participation plays a big part in Top of the World from reading out bits of script, singing the play’s theme song or holding a pair of binoculars.

Such involvement captures the playgoers’ attention but makes even more sense when we learn the 1953 expedition consisted of 378 people.

The small cast of three manage to fill the stage with their bounding energy and inventive use of props.

Five ladders, two sheets and a handful of fake snow successfully mimic dangerous mountain dips and pinnacles while mini-tents, puppets and lights create a far away-looking camp at one point.

Much of the 75-minute production is very funny. The nature of the comedy varies from a scene reminiscent of the Three Stooges to an erratic musical number involving beanbags and spoons.

Eugene Salleh, as Tenzing Norgay, is brilliant. His straight-faced admission at the start that he will not be speaking Nepalese during the play or even attempting a Nepalese accent gives the audience the giggles while his cautious stunt on top of a precariously balanced ladder evokes loud gasps of shock.

Although each sequence of action is visually impressive some go on too long and take away from the appreciation of its originality.

The play’s most moving moment comes when they finally reach the summit.

Silent darkness falls on the theatre as the three men stand side by side facing away from the audience. Images of the real-life Hillary and Norgay and their crusade are projected onto their backs as a voiceover asks: "What is your Everest?"

Props, script, audience participation and cast work together fantastically to create a top class visual treat.

4/5 Up, up and away