Review: Hot Mess (The Other Palace)
The climactic musical Hot Mess tells the unique love story between humanity and Earth. Written by Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, this is far from the show's first time on stage. From its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to a successful run at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, it has now arrived at The Other Palace for a limited run. That journey alone says it all about just how important and incredible this musical is.
The production features a cast of just two. Danielle Steers steps into the powerful role of Earth, bringing a lot of pathos alongside a brilliant sense of humour. Earth was once in love with the dinosaurs, but that relationship didn't last long, thanks to a giant meteorite. Later on, she meets the enthusiastic Hu (humanity), played by Morgan Gregory.
The dynamic between the two actors is magnetic, and their chemistry keeps the audience completely captivated throughout. It can be intimidating to step into an established team and take over a role, but Morgan is incredible as humanity.
This edition of Hot Mess includes two different new songs written by Jack Godfrey. Adding a new touch to the show was a smart move, keeping it fresh and exciting for people who have already seen it before.
When it comes to the design, there isn’t a lot to say. The stage at The Other Palace is not that big, so you can’t do anything too crazy with it, but for this production, that isn't even necessary. The set is filled with little props, making it a little bit mysterious. The phenomenal costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé also give the show a fantastic extra touch. In my opinion, those smaller, more intimate musicals always stay with you much longer after you have seen them.
The songs and rhythm of the show created an unforgettable energy that never let up. Both performers delivered exceptional performances, bringing passion, humour, and heart to every moment. Their energy was truly second to none—especially in standout numbers like The Next Big Thing and Better with Time, which feature powerful beats that stay stuck in your head long after.
Hot Mess is not only a musical but also has an important message to the audience about climate change. While that theme can feel a bit overwhelming at times, the incredible performances and infectious songs keep it engaging rather than preachy. The creative team did a very clever job balancing the two.
Hot Mess is playing at The Other Palace until September 6th. For more info and tickets, visit: https://theotherpalace.co.uk/hot-mess/
Star rating: ★★★★★
