Review: LOST ATOMS, Lyric Hammersmith
Tristram Kenton
Written by Anna Jordan and directed by Scott Graham, Lost Atoms tells the story of Jess (Hannah Sinclair Robinson) and Robbie (Joe Layton), a young couple whose chance meeting alters the course of their lives.
Set in a liminal space, cleverly and practically realised by Andrzej Goulding, the stage is backed by a wall of drawers that hold the couple’s shared memories. Jess and Robbie meet here to talk things through, retracing the moments that defined them. From the start, they are chalk and cheese. Jess is confident, outgoing and commitment-averse; Robbie is reserved, shy and painfully awkward. Robinson brings warmth, levity and wit to Jess, making her instantly likeable without ever tipping into manic pixie dream girl territory - a pitfall this kind of character could easily fall into. Layton matches her with an endearing awkwardness that feels deeply relatable.
What’s particularly striking is the sheer physicality of the performance. The energy required for a show of this calibre is immense, and both actors not only sustain it across two acts but continue to build it. Their chemistry feels natural, with a generous give-and-take that keeps the relationship believable. It helps that Jordan’s writing is sharp, funny and emotionally astute, lending itself beautifully to the rhythm and humour that runs through the play.
Despite their differences, Jess and Robbie bring out the best in one another. Through awkward first dates and repeated miscommunications, they keep circling back. Robbie begins to open up about the loss of his mother; Jess starts partying less and imagining a future that feels more grounded. This fragile equilibrium is shattered when Jess becomes pregnant and later miscarries, sending both of them into a spiral. Each drawer they open becomes a kind of Pandora’s box, with memories recalled from different perspectives. We watch the relationship unfold - its beginning, its promise, and its eventual rupture - with tenderness and emotional honesty. The sense of loss is cumulative and deeply felt, particularly as we move from rooting for them to quietly mourning what they’ve undone.
Scott Graham directs with a confident lightness of touch. The play feels tender and truthful without ever becoming self-indulgent or heavy-handed. Jordan’s writing is given the space to breathe, and the performances do it full justice. Even moments that could easily feel forced or artificial (the putt-putt golf scene, for example) land with surprising precision and authenticity.
Lost Atoms is a rare example of a production where every element works in harmony. The writing, direction, performances and design align to create something cohesive and affecting: a beautifully staged funeral for a love story. It’s thoughtful, moving and well worth seeing.
**** Four Stars
Reviewed by Aleeza Humranwala
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