The Antarctican: A play about Apsley Cherry-Garrard

Following on from her acclaimed play Shackleton’s Carpenter, the playwright Gail Louw returns with The Antarctican, a powerful new play examining one of the greatest stories of polar exploration: Apsley Cherry-Garrard’s Worst Journey in the World.

It is likely that many of you have a copy of Worst Journey in the World. It is the most widely published and acclaimed book to come out of the heroic era of Antarctic exploration.

Facing unrelenting weather and tortuous terrain, Cherry and his companions take enormous risks in the name of science and discovery. Surviving one arduous trek, the next one proves less fortunate. The Antarctican explores the heavy weight of one man’s survival in the aftermath of Captain Scott’s ill-fated quest to reach the South Pole.

Suffering from PTSD and survivor’s guilt, and haunted by decisions made on the ice that the world’s press erroneously claimed had cost Scott his life, Old Cherry confronts his younger Antarctican self.

The play is a compelling portrayal of adventure, camaraderie, survival and ultimately the price of heroism.

The play is on at the White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4DJ from 1–12 December 2026. (The theatre is near Kennington Tube station, which is one stop from Waterloo Station.)

The Antarctican is proud to be sponsored by the Polar and Adventure Travel Company, Arcturus. The production is seeking additional donations and sponsors. If you think you can help please contact Brad Borkan at .