Aether at Jermyn Street Theatre Review

Written by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are my own

Content warnings: strobe lighting

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Emma Howlett’s critically acclaimed play Aether is now home at the Jermyn Street Theatre, after a successful run at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. Whilst Picadilly Circus hustles and bustles above head, the audience is treated to a curious short production where physics are explored, little known stories are told and, crucially, there is an existential crisis or two. Told against a plush blue curtain, with minimal props and a projector machine straight out of a Year Five classroom, we meet our ensemble. With no hanging around, we tumble head first into a voice over, interpretive dancing and, remarkably, a particle inspired gameshow. What is each particle about to become? Straight away I was hooked, curious about what I was about to watch. 

First of all I need to talk about the ensemble – Gemma Barnett, Sophie Kean, Anna Marks Pryce and Abby McCann. Iconic casting if I ever did see it. All four excel as they whizz between different characters, using different accents and characteristics through the centuries. Barnett’s performance as Hypatia prior to her brutal murder was a favourite for me, with a performance you just didn’t want to take your eyes off. At the core of Aether is the story of Sophie (Kean) a PhD student searching for answers and even somehow translating a takeaway order to a physics equation. This brings some relatability to the production, with Sophie and her girlfriend (Pryce) being our only 21st Century characters, either studying or working. We watch on as the relationship between the two breaks down, which actually feels quite deserved on Sophie’s part.

Howlett’s script is very ambitious and enjoyable, really showing off the writer’s creative streak. From the actual laugh out loud moments to the more profound and though provoking lines, there is something for everybody. Thank goodness you don’t need to be a Physics whizzkid to completely enjoy the show. There are plenty of twisty moment at hand here. Along with how fast paced the whole production is, I do worry that there is the potential to miss out on these moments if you zone out for even a moment and leave you scratching your head wondering how you got to ancient Alexandria or underground at the Large Hadron Collider. I had no issue staying tuned and on top of what was going on, however, I do also know what it is like to slightly drift and find yourself rather confused. 

The small space in Jermyn Street is used to its full potential, with a low key set and lots of fun movement. The slick, modern dance sequences break up scenes, amplified by lighting by Ed Saudners. The minor audience participation – a marker and whiteboard situation – is a fun addition, interactive without being too much. A definite crowd pleaser.

It’s not often you see a show on STEM, and even less often you get the opportunity to celebrate the women mentioned throughout. The sexism is dire, but Aether is not. A clever script and a wonderful ensemble – this show is a real force of nature.

At Jermyn Street Theatre until 4th April

★ ★ ★ ★