Last night we saw Lost Atoms at York Theatre Royal, a little unprepared for the moving evening ahead of us. This is Frantic Assembly’s 30th anniversary production; a company whose remit is brave and bold theatre. They push the boundaries of a performer’s physicality and specialise in storytelling in a unique way. Their trailblazing work flits between brutal and tender, and this was no exception…
The story follows Robbie (Joel Layton) and Jess (Hannah Sinclair Robinson) as they reflect on their relationship, from a chance meeting at a pretentious coffee shop, to crazy golf and a stormy date in Grimsby. By the second half, the cracks in the relationship begin to show and we invest in this rollercoaster of emotions until the bitter end.
Layton and Robinson both deliver incredible performances; raw and emotional without ever feeling forced. Jess ends the show in tears, with a performance that touches on all aspects of a relationship with honesty and clarity. From little niggles at each other to those huge life-changing arguments, Anna Jordan’s writing explores the relationship completely unflinchingly.
The production features physical theatre and dance extensively. Every movement is perfectly choreographed, as the actors swing off railings, intertwine their bodies and scale the set with ease. The movement is so fluid and effortless that it’s easy to forget just how physically demanding it must be.
Andrzej Goulding’s design is exceptional. Drawers open and close and become stepping stones, platforms and vessels for the couple’s memories. Unseen stage crew meticulously ensure that every platform is ready, in a real feat of synchronicity. Two chairs seamlessly become a bath, a car, a waiting room and more. The set is simple, practical but oh so effective.
Simisola Majekodunmi’s lighting design is first rate too. The dramatic change from one state to another to indicate when they’re reliving a memory – and when chatting in real-time – is both striking and effective. The use of lightbulbs as memories, or possible life outcomes, is a real…well…lightbulb moment.
This opening-night audience was absolutely enraptured. Drama students filled the stalls, and what a treat to see live theatre done this well. The auditorium was gripped by a silence broken only by audible gasps at some of the more shocking moments.
Speaking of which, no spoilers here but it may be worth checking trigger warnings. The play deals with some harrowing issues and difficult themes, delivered with a raw intensity. There are moments of comedy but don’t expect an uplifting evening. Lost Atoms hits hard, and by the end we were both a little shellshocked. It’s thought provoking too, as the couple muse over how different people hold the idea of romantic love.
Powerful. Moving. Intense. Lost Atoms won’t be for everyone, but this is a honed and slick production that tells a hard-hitting story really well. Unforgettable.
Lost Atoms runs at York Theatre Royal until Saturday 11th October. Find out more and book at https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/lost-atoms/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
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