Atlantis
Minerva Theatre Chichester
15/8/2026
Currently showing at the Minerva is Emily White’s world premiere of her play Atlantis. A powerful exploration on climate change wrapped around an intimate family drama. This is a co-production with Theatr Clwyd and is directed by Guy Jones, who is the New Work Associate at The Globe and a co-founder of the Climate Playwriting Prize.
The play is set between 2011 and 2035 in a small Welsh coastal village. Bryn and Gwen learn the devastating news that they will be forced, without compensation, from their cherished home due to rising sea levels and effectively become climate refugees. Gwen was a former Greenham Common protestor in the 1980’s and this new crisis rekindles her spirit of activism. She has passed this passion on to her granddaughter Rhiannon and over the years Gwen’s fervour and unwavering commitment begins to tear her family and herself apart, dividing her from her husband and daughter and then ultimately brother from sister and husband from wife.
Designer Frankie Bradshaw’s fairly simple set of boardwalk style planking, creative sheeting and a small beach works well alongside Joshua Pharo’s lighting and video projections together creating many stunning and convincing dramatic effects, especially the striking and powerful storm conditions.
The strong ensemble cast truly bring this moving narrative to life and show how each character confronts the problems from their differing perspectives. Vivien Parry (Gwen) is superb with her emotional intensity and self-sacrifice for a sustainable future. While Richard Elfyn (Bryn) is excellent as he is emotionally torn between support for his adored wife and his desire to hold the whole family together. Tremendous energy and charisma from the two grandchildren Rhiannon (Eirlys Lovell-Jones) and Phillip (Alfie Llewellyn) when they burst onto the stage. Rhiannon has followed in her grandmother’s footsteps and embraced the cause above her own personal life whereas Phillip marries and has a family of his own. Impressive performances too from the young Rhiannon and Phillip who on this occasion were played by Iris Dempsey and Rex Bamber.
White’s timely and poignant observation weaves an important message for our time as she navigates through the various aspects and responsibilities we have to the planet that are not being met. She poses a question to us all as we reflect on what this family symbolised in their struggle to confront the climate challenges and the resulting collective inaction….
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Jill Lawrie