Lost Atoms at the Bristol Old Vic Review

Lost Atoms is a compact play showcasing one relationship in all its glory, past, present and future. It’s sometimes funny and touching and explores the meaning of true love woven into the minds of both protagonists, what they make of their situation and how they both view the affair from opposite positions. The cast of two (Joe Layton as Robbie and Hannah Sinclair Robinson as Jess) weave a fast and furious story, enlivened by the clever set of a wall of filing cabinets over which they climb and swing symbolising the compartmental process of living through a love affair that starts with passion all the way through to break-up and reconciliation.

Hannah Sinclair Robinson is a dab hand at visual and physical comedy having toured in The Play that Goes Wrong and she puts all her skillset to use here and at the same time giving Jess a quick-fire wit and emotional depth that nails the character. Joe Layton’s Robbie is sensitive and prone to introspection and soul-searching – perhaps that’s the problem with their relationship, does love bear examination under the microscope of indecision?

Andrej Goulding’s set is pretty much a masterpiece of invention, filing draws slide in and out to support the actors in a balletic routine everchanging throughout the endless machinations of their spiralling relationship.

Written by Anna Jordan the dialogue throbs to the rhythm of the street and punches home with strong language relentless in even the most tender and gentle exchanges. The play is entertaining but at times a rather a grim and gritty tale, who knew love could thrive amid all this angst and soul searching but somehow it does, and thank goodness for that.

https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/lost-atoms