Lost Atoms ★★★★ Lyric Hammersmith Theatre | Jan 29 - Feb 28, 2026


This latest offering from Frantic Assembly once again showcases the company’s distinctive fusion of meticulously choreographed movement and narrative storytelling. Andrzej Goulding’s ingenious set, a towering bank of drawers, allows the two characters, Jess and Robbie, to access the memories of their relationship. The drawers also function as a kind of climbing wall, powerfully symbolising the emotional labour involved in forging a connection, along with the trust and reliance required to create and sustain their bond. In moments of discord, the act of climbing subtly reflects shifting power dynamics and the fragile nature of their interdependence. Anna Jordan’s script offers a broadly familiar exploration of the trials and tribulations of intimacy, but it is significantly elevated by the production’s inventive staging and kinetic movement. Jess, engagingly portrayed by Hannah Sinclair Robinson, is an outgoing extrovert who thrives on socialising with friends, while Rob, sensitively interpreted by Joe Layton, is a withdrawn introvert still grappling with the early loss of his mother. They navigate their personal struggles in markedly different ways and are shaped by contrasting, though equally complex, family dynamics. Their shared world is presented with warmth, humour and perceptive insight, in a way that is likely to resonate widely with audiences. The central tension lies in how the couple will respond when confronted with crisis, and whether a relationship between two such opposing temperaments can endure. The idea that Jess and Rob are retrospectively examining their relationship from differing perspectives is introduced but not fully explored. Similarly, an intriguing motif concerning the evolution of fairy tales, prompted by Jess’s master’s thesis, remains underdeveloped. Either strand could have provided a compelling counterpoint to the couple’s personal journey, but neither is fully realised. Even so, Lost Atoms remains a delicately drawn and emotionally resonant portrait of a relationship, brought vividly to life through Frantic Assembly’s assured and imaginative staging.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Tristram Kenton

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL, UK

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