The 1953 Everest expedition in which Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay 'knocked the bastard off” is the focus of a play being performed in Whitianga this weekend.

Creative Mercury Bay in collaboration with Arts on Tour New Zealand proudly presents Everest Untold written by Gareth Davies at the Whitianga Town Hall on Sunday.

Edwin Wright as George Lowe and Stephen Lovatt as Sir John Hunt in ‘Everest Untold' by Gareth Davies which is on stage at the Whitianga Town Hall this Sunday. Photo: Supplied

It features Stephen Lovatt (Angels in America and The Book of Everything) as Everest expedition leader Sir John Hunt, and Edwin Wright (Manifesto 2083 and Slow West) as ‘the other Kiwi' George Lowe.

CMB Trust chair Jan Wright describes Everest Untold as part climbing experience, part history lesson and part personal revelation.

'A proud Kiwi tale, Everest Untold will change your understanding of one of New Zealand's greatest triumphs,” she says.

Through the partnership between Sir John and Edwin, playwright Gareth Davies reveals the stories of sheer grit, determination and ambition in a dangerously inhospitable environment.

For British Army Colonel, Sir John Hunt, it's all about the grand plan. For Lowe, experienced climber and schoolmaster with a can-do attitude, it's all about the men.

Together, Everest Untold shares their story of cutting steps into the roof of the world.

'We also learn of the other men in the expedition – a physicist, geologist, doctor, cameraman, mountaineers and, of course, the Nepalese Sherpas. The play explores the cultural differences and divides, but also the passion to climb that all the members share,” says Jan.

Everest Untold is produced by Ffynroc Productions and is supported by the Himalayan Trust which was founded by Sir Edmund and Louise Hillary in the 1960s.

Creative Mercury bay presents Everest Untold at the Whitianga Town Hall on Saturday, July 2, doors open 6.30pm. Tickets cost $15-$20 and available from Paper Plus Whitianga or on the door.