REVIEW: HOT MESS @ SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE ELEPHANT

🎭 Hot Mess

📍  Southwark Playhouse Elephant, 1 Dante Place, London, SE11 4RX

🗓 Wednesday 22nd October 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A RAUCOUS, RIOTOUS, FIVE-STAR ROM-COM EXTRAVAGANZA!

Well, it's official: the musical curse has been broken! It's been far too long since I have awarded a full five stars to a musical theatre production, but new musical HOT MESS - playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant - is the show that finally does it, delivering a night of pure, unadulterated joy that is as sharp as it is heartfelt.

From the moments the lights dim, you are completely swept along and immersed in the story. This show has a LOT of heart and doesn't take itself too seriously which leads to a truly riotous night of entertainment.

The writing, courtesy of Ellie Coote and Jack Godfrey is an absolute triumph. They have created a sharp, heartfelt rom-com full of character, charm, and catchy tunes galore! The narrative is tight, the jokes land perfectly, and I was left with a massive smile on my face from start to finish.

I was transported into a world of vibrant energy and pure, unadulterated joy. The book is sharp, witty, and surprisingly moving, giving characters I could truly invest in and root for. Unlike some productions where the plot gets lost in the score, HOT MESS perfectly balances its narrative with its musical numbers, ensuring a thoroughly engaging experience.

What I really loved about this musical was the originality of the story. This is a rom-com with a difference. Forget everything you think you know about love stories as we explore the romance between the Earth and Humanity. We travel through history with wonderfully comedic episodes which brilliantly follow the development of humanity through the ages, and look to the future to see what happens when the relationship reaches its end.

The cast are phenomenally strong and their passion for the piece shines through. Danielle Steers and Tobias Turley are honestly both absolute revelations in their roles. Steers commands the stage with an undeniable charisma, oozing sex appeal as she generously gives her all. Turley is wonderfully expressive. I simply adored watching his facial expressions, even when he wasn't the main focus. They both deliver a flawless performance throughout, showcasing wonderfully smooth and powerful vocals with a dynamic energy that is infectious.

The direction is slick and fast-paced, much like the best numbers in the show. The creative team has delivered a production that is visually exciting and brilliantly executed. The staging is innovative, using the space to maximum effect and creating a wonderfully immersive experience that pulls the audience into the story.

This is escapism entertainment, pure and simple, but with a surprising depth that lingers long after you leave the theatre. HOT MESS is an emotional, action-packed show that has something for everyone. It really is a must-see production that deserves a transfer to the West End immediately.

It's a vibrant, feel-good musical that delivers everything I would want from a new musical, and more: a fresh energy, heart, humour, a great story, and a simply sensational cast.

HOT MESS continues performances at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until Saturday 8th November. Tickets are selling fast so click here now to secure your seats because this one is well worth a watch. Just be prepared to leave with your funny bone suitably tickled and a tune stuck in your head!

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Hot Mess was gifted by Chloe Nelkin Consulting who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Danielle Steers as Earth; Tobias Turley as Humanity

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour 5 minutes, with no interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Occasional mild language

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