Hot Mess Review: rom-com between Earth and Humanity is impressively innovative
- Emma Knott
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
11 July 2026 I 19:30 I The Other Palace, London
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
On another sweltering day in July, it felt rather fitting to head to Hot Mess: A New Musical. Not only does the title reflect how many of us are feeling in this heat, but it also hints at the show's central premise: a heartfelt personification of the relationship between Earth and Humanity.
Written by Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, it explores how this bond has evolved, fractured, and can still be repaired. What could easily become a preachy environmental tale instead promises an inventive, character-driven production that tackles big concepts with humour, romance and catchy tunes.
Following successful London and Edinburgh Festival runs, Hot Mess comes to The Other Palace, bringing with it an expanded production and growing reputation. In a venue known for hosting bold new writing, The Other Palace's stage feels the perfect home for this stimulating piece that aims to entertain and educate. There is a real sense of anticipation through the audience, holding our expectations high having picked up a number of awards (Popcorn Writing Award 2025, The Scotsman Fringe First Award).
At the core of it all is Danielle Steers as Earth, delivering a powerhouse performance that effortlessly juggles strength, vulnerability and humour. From her first entrance, she commands attention with warmth and charisma, it's impossible not to root for her. She embodies our beloved planet not as an abstract figure, but as someone who has been loved deeply, taken for granted, and now desperately trying to hold everything together. Most importantly, she feels relatable, resilient and ironically human.
Opposite her, Morgan Gregory and is equally captivating as Humanity, carrying boundless energy and compassion to a role that, on paper, could easily be unlikeable. He perfectly captures Humanity's contradictions: ambitious yet naïve, loving yet selfish, curious while blind to the consequences of his actions. Rather than a straightforward villain, Gregory presents a flawed man who is deserving of empathy, allowing his relationship with Earth to feel remarkably realistic.
Together, the pair are such sophisticated performers, their chemistry undeniable. Through Godfrey's synthetic-pop score, they share a playful spark, underlined with emotional weight. Gregory excels in his comic timing, and as always, Steers is vocally exceptional, soaring through the lyrics with genuine sincerity. Who would ever imagine an allegorical love story between Earth and Humanity to feel so surprisingly intimate and recognisable?
At a brisk 90 minutes (no interval), Hot Mess never outstays its welcome, maintaining a lively pace that knows when to slow down for emotional hits. Shankho Chaudhuri's design is wonderfully inventive, creating a space-themed playground that is generally minimalist, allowing our imaginations to fill in the gaps while keeping the relationship firmly central. Complimenting this beautifully is Ryan Joseph Stafford's lighting design, traversing warm, sun-soaked hues to those cooler and melancholic. This mirrors the musical's emotive journey without being overbearing, making visually engaging and purposeful design choices that amplify the writing.
Rightfully continuing its London reign, Hot Mess is a riveting reminder of just how imaginative new musical theatre can be. Beneath the sharp comedy, hummable soundtrack and endearing performances lies an honestly moving story that encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with the world. Steers and Gregory ground themselves as some of the greatest emerging talent around in this near-perfect transfer. In just 90 minutes, we laugh, empathise and think long beyond the curtain call. Even the messiest of relationships are worth fighting for!
Playing at The Other Palace until the 6th September: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/hot-mess/
