Hot Mess
A pop comedy musical by Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, Hot Mess explores humanity’s turbulent relationship with Earth. This production cleverly frames it as a literal, angsty love story between the two, with Humanity portrayed as an Everyman-type figure navigating the ages.
I’ll admit, the concept initially sounded a little on the twee side to me. However, it came highly recommended, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. I had expected something rather preachy; a doom-and-gloom warning about the destruction of the world. What I found instead was a brilliantly written, witty, and refreshingly sharp piece of musical theatre. The lyrics are smart and quick, the humour lands beautifully, and there are plenty of moments that feel surprisingly relatable; even including Humanity’s brief love affair with the Moon.
Yes, there’s an environmental message here, but not in the heavy-handed way one might expect from modern theatre. While deforestation, pollution, and mining are all referenced, they’re so cleverly woven into the show’s metaphorical structure that you never feel like you’re being lectured. I won’t spoil the ending, but it’s fair to say it leaves the audience cheering for a human-free planet, complete with AI and T-Rexes in the mix.
The show has only two performers, who command the stage from start to finish. Danielle Steers opens as Earth, alone after the great extinction event; until Tobias Turley’s Humanity appears. Steers is absolutely phenomenal. Her rich, soulful voice, reminiscent of 1990s R&B divas, could easily fill a stadium. She exudes charisma and warmth, making Earth both maternal and mischievous. Her wardrobe (designed by Shankho Chaudhuri) is a nostalgic delight, think velour, buffalo boots, and bold, retro-inspired textures of blue, green and pink that perfectly capture the show’s playful tone.
Turley, as Humanity, brings a contrasting energy: needy, passionate, and occasionally frustrating, much like his namesake. Many of his musical numbers have a unpleasant or more self-centred tone, so he doesn’t always receive the applause he deserves. Nevertheless, both performers bring great attitude, humour, and emotional nuance, particularly as the power dynamic between them shifts throughout the show.
While I didn’t always feel the romantic chemistry between the two characters; their connection sometimes felt more symbolic than sensual, this may well have been the point. Their relationship is meant to represent a universal and fractured bond rather than a personal love story.
Throughout the production, there’s a delightful array of literary puns with books appearing with titles such as Fifty Shades of Clay that add to the fun, clever tone of the piece. It’s the kind of show where the more you watch, the more details you catch.
Whatever your stance on climate change, renewable energy, or humanity’s impact on the planet, Hot Mess offers an entertaining, inventive, and thought-provoking evening at the theatre. At just 65 minutes long, and priced accordingly, it’s a compact, creative gem that leaves you grinning while pondering our place in the universe.
This show was reviewed on the 22nd October 2025 at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London where it runs until the 8th November 2025. Tickets available here: Hot Mess - Southwark Playhouse Elephant
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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Photo credit: Helen Murray
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