Frantic Assembly returns to the Playhouse Theatre with a new play to celebrate its 30th anniversary

Following sell-out tours of Othello and Metamorphosis, Frantic Assembly returns with a brand-new play, Lost Atoms, by Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting winner Anna Jordan (The Unreturning, Yen, and TV’s Succession and One Day), at the Playhouse from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 October.

Lost Atoms is a wild ride through a life-changing relationship. Jess and Robbie, together they scale the soaring highs and crushing lows, relive the beats of connection, the moments of loss.  But are their stories the same? And can their memories be trusted?

Two people plunge deep into their shared pasts and propel themselves into multiple imagined futures. At times hilarious, at times devastating, Lost Atoms explores how memory impacts the way we look at love, and asks what makes a truly ‘successful’ relationship? 

Scott Graham, director of Lost Atoms said: 

“I think it’s something that’s very beautiful, but also incredibly funny how we form these relationships, how we become something different when we’re with somebody. And then on the other side of that, if that relationship parts, what are we left with? Has something been taken away or have we kept something of that other person with us? It already feels bittersweet. It feels like we could be breaking hearts here. But I also feel like there’s laughter through tears as well.”

Robbie is played by Joe Layton, whois currently on screen in ITV’s Coronation Street as regular character Mick Michaelis. He was an early graduate of Frantic Assembly’s talent development programme Ignition and has continued to work with the company as Iago in Othello and Chief Clerk in Metamorphosis. Jess is played by Hannah Sinclair Robinson, who is also a regular collaborator with Frantic Assembly having recently starred as Grete in Metamorphosis and Bianca in Othello (both UK tours).  

Lost Atoms is Frantic Assembly’s 30th anniversary production. The company is renowned for its innovative approach to physical theatre and dynamic storytelling. This production is directed by Scott Graham (Othello, Metamorphosis) along with set design by Andrzej Goulding, lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi, sound design by Carolyn Downing, costume design by Alice McNicholas and music supervision by Julie Blake.  

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse are partnering with Frantic Assembly for Frantic Ignition 2025 to deliver free Taster and Trial workshops on Saturday 27 September and Saturday 4 October at the Everyman. These high-energy, movement-based workshops are aimed at young people aged 16–24 who face barriers to accessing the arts, with the aim of showing them that the arts can absolutely be for them. 

Lost Atoms runs at the Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 October, with tickets priced from £11 to £36 – get tickets on the Everyman & Playhouse website here.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.