REVIEW: HOT MESS @ THE OTHER PALACE

🎭 Hot Mess

📍 The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

🗓 Tuesday 23rd June 2026

⭐️ 5 Stars

ABSOLUTE PERFECTION IN THE AIR-CON!

In the sweltering London heatwave, what better show to go and see than a new musical about the climate emergency? – especially when the venue has a more than adequate air conditioning system! Seriously, thank goodness for The Other Palace's AC, because the heat outside was no joke.

I had seen this show during its Southwark Playhouse run last year and absolutely loved it, so I was more than willing to melt in the sauna-like conditions on the TfL network to get there! And thank the theatre gods I did, because this expanded production is pure, unadulterated genius.

For the uninitiated, HOT MESS is a stroke of absolute brilliance. It completely subverts the usual doom-and-gloom climate narratives by framing the history of our planet as a turbulent, millennium-long romantic comedy. We watch the relationship between Earth and Humanity evolve from their passionate early days of discovery into a toxic, chaotic, and desperately messy breakup. It is hilarious, incredibly clever, and completely revitalises the way we look at our relationship with the planet. The pacing is relentless, and it’s just so incredibly engaging! It is also wonderfully comedic. The laugh-out-loud dialogue and witty, satirical relationship tropes had me, and honestly the entire audience, in stitches from start to finish.

What is so fascinating about Ellie Coote’s staging is how it cleverly feels immersive even though it isn't. You are sitting in a traditional theatre seat, yet the electric energy, the direct addresses, and the sheer intimacy of the writing make you feel like you are right in the middle of this domestic meltdown. Because of that closeness, I found myself profoundly invested, and I really cared about the characters in a way I didn't expect. You feel Earth's deep heartbreak and even Humanity's flawed desperation, making the high stakes hit so much closer to home.

What I love about this show is how it has an underlying serious message that really makes you think, but it is not preachy in any way. Amongst the punchy pop songs and hilarious script, the message rises to the surface without you even realising it. You're laughing one minute, nodding along to a massive pop anthem the next, and then suddenly it hits you right in the chest.

Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote have undeniably created something really special here. This show could very easily become my next musical theatre obsession and I'm sure it's set to become the next big musical hit. I have absolutely no doubt that this could rival shows such as SIX, and even replicate its success. Like SIX, this would be a great entry into musical theatre for first-timers to the genre, especially for the younger generations. It’s short, sharp, and has that rare ability to completely captivate a younger demographic.

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best soundtracks of any new musical for at least a decade. Each and every song is an absolute banger, and I'm still singing them today. I've had the cast recording on absolute loop since I left.

Now let's talk about the power couple on the stage. Danielle Steers and Morgan Gregory are an absolute dream team. Steers is sexy and sultry as Earth, and I have adored her powerhouse vocals for a long time. Honestly, she could sing the dictionary to me and I'd be happy! She has a commanding presence on the stage, is playful and confident, and genuinely gives us the world. Watching her transition from a nurturing, loving partner into a fiercely betrayed, exhausted deity is a masterclass in theatre. When she hits those rock-infused belting notes in "My House", the rafters literally shake. She is an unstoppable force of nature.

Gregory is adorably delightful as Humanity. He brings this infectious, golden-retriever-style energy to the role that makes you instantly love him, even when he’s being incredibly selfish. His comic timing is impeccable, capturing all our collective flaws with zero malice but total accuracy. And my goodness, his vocals on "One in a Trillion" - the brand-new song added for this run - were out of this world! He completely brings the house down with it.

The set by Shankho Chaudhuri and lighting by Ryan Joseph Stafford were pretty simple, but worked perfectly. The minimalist, neon-streaked staging keeps the focus entirely on the electric chemistry between the two leads, while the sharp, dynamic lighting changes beautifully mirror the shifting climate eras. Coote's direction filled the stage wonderfully, ensuring that even with just two actors, the space always feels massive, alive, and bursting with energy.

It's safe to say that I'm obsessed with this musical. The West End – and the world – are calling. Get your tickets now before it explodes!

HOT MESS is the show of the summer and continues performances at The Other Palace until Sunday 6th September. CLICK HERE to check availability, find out about the show's wrap-around events, and book tickets.

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 ANRPR 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; Morgan Gregory as Humanity

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour 30 minutes, with no interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Flickering, flashing, and strobe lights; Smoke and haze throughout; References to the climate emergency; Occasional bad language; Innuendo; Scenes of intimacy

AGE GUIDELINE:

12+

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