⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Stars)

Who would have thought that a musical about the climate crisis could be such an enjoyable and laugh-out-loud funny evening at the theatre? Over a whirlwind 85 minutes, Hot Mess - a new British musical with music and lyrics by Jack Godfrey and book and direction by Ellie Coote - spans millennia. The show tells the story of a romantic relationship between personifications of Earth (Danielle Steers) and Humanity (Morgan Gregory). Initially flirty and full of excitement, the relationship becomes increasingly toxic as Humanity becomes more and more advanced and takes advantage of Earth’s resources. Hot Mess has a clear message about environmental collapse at the hands of a species that has gone too far and abused its home. However, it delivers this warning in an accessible and engaging way, alongside a score with some of the catchiest songs in recent musical theatre memory.

Godfrey, a rising star in musical theatre writing whose works include 42 Balloons and Babies, has an unmistakable talent for crafting contemporary pop scores. Number after number, the songs in Hot Mess prove themselves not only to be earworms, but to have intelligent and hilarious lyrics. Early into the show’s first number - Introducing Earth - as she prepares for her first date with Humanity, Earth sings the lyrics, “I could literally pull anyone, it’s called gravity” which really sets the tone for the rest of the show. Likewise, Coote’s book consistently captures the same tone of comedy and wordplay throughout. Fans of contemporary musical theatre such as Six (which Hot Mess’ music supervisor and co-orchestrator Joe Beighton worked on also) are sure to find much to enjoy in Hot Mess, as the show has a similar energy, cleverness, and sense of humour.

A two-hander musical can often be a difficult concept with no other characters to bounce off apart from each other. However, Steers and Gregory are excellent in Hot Mess. Each of them takes their character on a pronounced journey over the course of the show. As Earth, Steers showcases a rare talent for not only delivering outstanding vocals, but the stage presence of a bona fide pop star and the comedy skills to land every joke. Opposite her, Gregory as Humanity begins the show as endearingly in awe of Earth, but by the time he reaches the song What Did You Expect has believably transformed into a toxic and manipulative partner.

Shankho Chaudhuri’s set design makes good use of the intimate stage at The Other Palace. Two platforms - evoking tectonic plates - provide additional levels to the action and a curtain backdrop allows Ryan Joseph Stafford’s lighting to transform the atmosphere with striking colours, which at one climactic moment also extend out into the lights lining the walls of the auditorium. Also enjoyable is the attention to detail in the props on stage, particularly Earth’s book titled Fifty Shades of Clay.

Overall, Hot Mess is an exciting new musical with an innovative concept. It’s got a message about environmentalism but never becomes preachy, instead providing plenty of laughs and a score that will remain in your head long after the show finishes (thankfully, there is already a cast recording available online which this reviewer listened to the whole way home!).

Hot Mess runs at The Other Palace until 6th September 2026.

Tickets Available Here