Review: "Hot Mess" is a clever and complex romance
Review: "Hot Mess" is a clever and complex romance
FOLLOWING A SOLD-OUT RUN AT THIS YEAR'S EDINBURGH FRINGE, JACK GODFREY AND ELLIE COOTE'S NEW POP MUSICAL ARRIVES IN LONDON WITH A FRESH AND FIREY ENERGY
FOLLOWING A SOLD-OUT RUN AT THIS YEAR'S EDINBURGH FRINGE, JACK GODFREY AND ELLIE COOTE'S NEW POP MUSICAL ARRIVES IN LONDON WITH A FRESH AND FIREY ENERGY
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
What if Earth and Humanity were in a romantic relationship together? That’s the bold and brilliantly bizarre question this musical dares to ask. They’re a “power couple, dream team, partners in crime” — until, inevitably, things start to fall apart. After Earth’s breakup with the dinosaurs, she spends millennia single before meeting someone new: Humanity. From there, well, the rest is history — and heartbreak.
What if Earth and Humanity were in a romantic relationship together? That’s the bold and brilliantly bizarre question this musical dares to ask. They’re a “power couple, dream team, partners in crime” — until, inevitably, things start to fall apart. After Earth’s breakup with the dinosaurs, she spends millennia single before meeting someone new: Humanity. From there, well, the rest is history — and heartbreak.
It’s a clever concept, portraying two abstract forces as tangible “spirits” locked in an emotional (and ecological) entanglement. When Humanity meets Earth, their chemistry is immediate. What begins as a passionate, mutually adoring partnership gradually turns sour as Humanity’s affection becomes possessive, greedy, and ultimately destructive. The metaphor is clear — and the show delivers it with both wit and warmth.
It’s a clever concept, portraying two abstract forces as tangible “spirits” locked in an emotional (and ecological) entanglement. When Humanity meets Earth, their chemistry is immediate. What begins as a passionate, mutually adoring partnership gradually turns sour as Humanity’s affection becomes possessive, greedy, and ultimately destructive. The metaphor is clear — and the show delivers it with both wit and warmth.
Jack Godfrey’s score brims with sharp pop hooks and emotional depth, blending catchy choruses with moments of real vulnerability. Ellie Coote’s book keeps the story grounded and relatable, balancing cosmic ideas with human emotion and humor. Together, they craft a show that’s both playful and profound.
Jack Godfrey’s score brims with sharp pop hooks and emotional depth, blending catchy choruses with moments of real vulnerability. Ellie Coote’s book keeps the story grounded and relatable, balancing cosmic ideas with human emotion and humor. Together, they craft a show that’s both playful and profound.
The performances are stellar. Danielle Steers gives a powerhouse turn as Earth, balancing maternal grace with volcanic fury. Tobias Turley’s humanity is charming and flawed; his boyish charisma makes his eventual downfall all the more heartbreaking. Together, they make an electric duo — their chemistry palpable, their banter crackling with humor and heart.
The performances are stellar. Danielle Steers gives a powerhouse turn as Earth, balancing maternal grace with volcanic fury. Tobias Turley’s humanity is charming and flawed; his boyish charisma makes his eventual downfall all the more heartbreaking. Together, they make an electric duo — their chemistry palpable, their banter crackling with humor and heart.
At just 65 minutes, Hot Mess moves briskly but leaves a lasting impression. It’s funny, thought-provoking, and unapologetically original — a love story for the ages (and maybe a warning for the future).
At just 65 minutes, Hot Mess moves briskly but leaves a lasting impression. It’s funny, thought-provoking, and unapologetically original — a love story for the ages (and maybe a warning for the future).
Hot Mess may be short, but it’s bursting with ideas, emotion, and musical flair. A confident four-star debut that proves climate consciousness and pop musical theatre can make quite a couple.
Hot Mess may be short, but it’s bursting with ideas, emotion, and musical flair. A confident four-star debut that proves climate consciousness and pop musical theatre can make quite a couple.
Hot Mess - Southwark Playhouse Elephant
Attended on 27 October 2025