York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 11 October 2025
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Frantic Assembly have returned to York Theatre Royal with their latest production. Lost Atoms is Frantic Assembly’s 30th anniversary co-production with Curve, Mayflower Southampton and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Written by Anna Jordan and directed by Frantic Assembly’s Artistic Director Scott Graham.
The play focuses on the love story of Jess (Hannah Sinclair Robinson) and Robbie (Joe Layton). It is a tale of opposites attract, who first meet in a coffee shop, then reconnect by chance at a train station. This coincidental reunion sets the stage for a wild ride through their life changing relationship.
From its opening moments, this compelling, intimate two-hander, is non-linear, beginning not at the start of Jess and Robbie’s romance, but at its conclusion, as the pair pick apart the fragments of their shared past. The audience journeys with them though the pivotal milestones, first kiss, holiday, awkward introductions to the in-laws, moving in together, or at least their recollection from their differing perspectives. Showing their memories from multiple perspectives. It is a minefield of a relationship remembered, and perhaps misremembered, by two lovers.
Hannah Sinclair Robinson is fierce, a force of nature, magnetic to watch as the more exuberant, extrovert Jess. Joe Layton delivers a heartfelt performance as the more vulnerable Robbie. Their performances are fluid, almost dance like, full of dialogue. They move in symmetry together with amazing fluidity, every glace and gesture is loaded with their shared history. You can feel the tension between them with each movement, even though they barely touch. This is so powerful to watch and experience and their chemistry captivated the whole audience. They both embody their characters, complete with their inner demons, so well that you are immersed in their whole relationship.
The stage, designer Andrzej Goulding, is minimalist, set with two large chairs and a huge filling cabinet with numerous drawers, all of different sizes, that are used to store all sorts. Wine glasses, golf clubs, clothing all emerge from the drawers, as well as lit bulbs, depicting Jess and Robbie’s memories. The drawers are used as seating, steps and even a toilet. Central to the unit is what looks like a door, this turns into a bed. The utilisation of the unit is a stroke of genius, and with the accompanying lighting, by Simsola Majekondunmi, is a wonderous sight to behold.
It was great to see witness such a packed theatre, especially with so many students present. The buzz in the air afterwards was just what this show deserved. As I made my way out, I noticed director Scott Graham at the centre of a circle of eager students, all brimming with enthusiasm and energy, a wonderful testament to the show’s impact.
Lost Atoms is stunning to watch. Captivating from start to finish, gripping the audience for more than two hours with its mesmerising performance. It make you feel, makes you think and touches of difficult themes, and handles them with sensitivity. It’s full of emotion that resonates long after the final curtain. A triumph of physical theatre that Frantic Assembly does so well.