Joe Layton stars in Lost Atoms, the powerful new production from Frantic Assembly, premiering at Curve Leicester this autumn. Written by Anna Jordan (Succession, Killing Eve) and directed by Scott Graham, the show explores the complexities of love, memory, and relationships.
Layton, known for roles in Coronation Street and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., returns to Frantic Assembly following acclaimed performances in Othello and Metamorphosis. In this exclusive interview, they share insights into the show and their creative journey.
Lost Atoms runs at Curve Leicester from 22 September to 4 October 2025 before touring nationally. Tickets are available here.
You’re starring in Lost Atoms at Curve Leicester and on tour. What can you tell us about the show?
Jess and Robbie meet in an abstract vault of their memories. Filing cabinets line the back wall from floor to ceiling. As the couple delve back into their relationship, from beginning to end, it becomes clear that they remember things differently.
It’s a show about memory and perspective, what defines a successful love or relationship? Written by the fantastic Anna Jordan and brought off the page by Frantic Assembly.
Lost Atoms explores memory and relationships. What drew you to this story?
Scott approached me and explained that he wanted to workshop the piece during the year prior to rehearsals. It presented a unique opportunity to grow with and develop the piece from seed to script.
Having worked with Anna on The Unreturning and with Scott on Othello and Metamorphosis, it was a no-brainer for me.
You’ve worked with Frantic Assembly before. How does this production compare to previous collaborations?
This will be my fourth show with Frantic, having also done their Ignition programme back in 2008. All the shows have been very different, but what sets Lost Atoms apart is the fact it’s a two-hander.
What’s it like working with Hannah Sinclair Robinson and the creative team on this project?
Hannah is spectacular as Jess in the show, and a dear friend in real life. She is so giving and generous in her work, I couldn’t imagine doing this show with anyone else.
The creative team are incredible: the set design by Andrzej Goulding is like a third character in the show, providing us with a climbing frame to play on. In conjunction with Simisola Majekodunmi’s lighting design and Carolyn Downing’s sound design, I think it will be really special.
You’ve had a varied career across stage and screen. How does your experience inform your approach to this role?
One informs the other, and regardless of stage or screen, no two jobs are the same. My previous two jobs were on television — Coronation Street, playing a killer, and an Apple TV series in which I play a cosmonaut, and now I’m back on stage again.
One of the best things about acting is finding what you learn on one job and carrying that into the next.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Lost Atoms?
I would encourage anyone to come and see Lost Atoms. If you’re familiar with Frantic’s work, it won’t disappoint; if you’ve never seen a Frantic show, this would be a fantastic one to start with.
I remember my first experience watching Frantic. It was a show called Stockholm, I was 16 years old, and I just remember sitting on the edge of my seat thinking, “I want to do that one day.”
