Hot Mess: A New Musical at The Other Palace Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
We are all looking for the one. That special other half to be our power couple, our dream team. For Earth, looking over 66 million years, she might finally have found the one in Hu, short for Humanity. At first, Hu falls hard for Earth, then as time whizzes by, it all begins to go terribly wrong. Part toxic romantic relationship, part exceptionally clever exploration of climate change, Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote’s musical Hot Mess starts strong and meteorically rises throughout.
Danielle Steers is phenomenal as Earth. Fierce, self-assured and confident, she is protective of her independence, especially after losing her beloved Tyrannosaurus ex to the meteorite. Therefore, when she meets enthusiastic Hu (Humanity) played with earnest joy by Morgan Gregory, their relationship takes it slow before rocketing forward as Hu begins the progress into agriculture. At first, their relationship goes well, and the flirty banter and give and take are beautiful to watch. Unfortunately, as we all know, soon Hu’s insecurity over being younger and less powerful has him scrambling so desperately for progress and change that he ends up irreversibly harming her and their relationship is ruined beyond all recognition. I was deeply impressed by their electric chemistry throughout as these two actors powerfully bring to life these gargantuan characters.
Although this is a very strange personification of two huge concepts, this musical has so much whimsy and heart that it is an incredibly fun show to watch. Its subtle humour, witty banter and clever references to different stages of human evolution and society will have you in stitches of laughter throughout. The allegories between the toxic romantic relationship and the toxic relationship humans have with Earth are emphasised with nuance and sincerity. Godfrey’s songs are wonderfully catchy and blend rock, rap and some pop as well to have the audience buzzing in their seats as an electric audience throughout. The pre-show music is also hilarious and wonderful for setting the mood for this incredible musical. Ryan Joseph Stafford’s lighting design is inspired and greatly adds to the wonderful whimsy and hilarious nature of this musical. Shankho Chaudhuri’s set design is filled with mysterious props, which firmly add to the whimsical nature of this show. Sarah Mercadé’s costume design was a brilliant and subtle element to showcase the shift in Hu’s progress and their lessening intimacy throughout.
One only has to look outside the window right now to realise the impacts of climate change have arrived. Intense thunderstorms, heatwaves which almost double the summer temperatures of the previous decade and an excess of insects demonstrate that this show is an incredibly incisive and profound take on our current relationship with Earth. It is hilarious, heartfelt and an incredibly astute musical. Hot Mess is bursting full of witty zingers, brilliant songs and a truly phenomenal dual cast. Don’t miss out on London’s hottest new musical this summer in a fabulously air-conditioned theatre!
Hot Mess plays at The Other Palace from 24 June to 6 September. For further information, including how to book tickets, head over to The Other Palace website.
★★★★★
