Hot Mess - Southwark Playhouse Elephant

Hot Mess, is a new original musical co-written by Jack Godfrey (Music and Lyrics) and Ellie Coote (Book). Also directed by Coote, the musical has found a temporary home at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant after a sold out and critically acclaimed run at the Birmingham Hippodrome (where the play was commissioned and produced) and the Edinburgh Fringe earlier this year. 

Hot Mess is a two handler musical, revolving around the relationship between Earth (Danielle Steers) and Humanity (Tobias Turley). The 65 minute musical encompasses the thousands of years old relationship in a succinct and hilarious manner; allowing for a well-rounded short musical. Earth and Humanity are both personified, and document the evolution of mankind as transport and technology progress. The musical is framed as the thousands of year old passionate love affair between Earth and Humanity, and how it slowly is becoming toxic as a brilliant metaphor for climate change. 

Ellie Coote's book has made for a solid and firm foundation, with a genius concept that really pulls the audience into the show. As the relationship is slowly formed, the audience are given a chance to reflect on their own impact on their surrounding environment both as an individual and a collective species. The two characters feel modern and relatable, with a script that is equal parts witty and clever. The extended metaphor of the dependent relationship, really pulls out all the stops, creating an excellent play in it's wake. Hot Mess, for all its hilarity and playful tone does culminate in a thought provoking finale, as reality settles in.

Helen Murray

The two performers, Danielle Steers and Tobias Turley, are both at their best form, with unforgettable and powerful performances. Danielle Steers reminds audiences of her magnetism and truly magnificent stage presence, as she excels as Earth. Steers portrays the humour, generosity and steely protectiveness well, creating a well rounded characterisation of Earth. Steers delivers a powerhouse performance, with a thundering presence that raises literal chills especially when she is singing. 

Tobias Turley is perfectly cast as Humanity, simultaneously making the character universal and yet also very specific. Turley's adorkable charm does wonders in the role, as his harmless curiosity and ambition is slowly taken over by a sense of possessiveness. Turley does well with the comedic elements, yet shines the most when he's brought to near tears as he recognises the damage done. Turley's vocals are gorgeous, made even better by his infectious energy. 

Jack Godfrey has written the music for the show, and they are immediately stand out elements of the show. Godfrey, who notably has previously written two musicals, both of which have had cast recordings and Hot Mess which already released an EP, creates a magic on stage that makes him and his work one of a kind. Every song is a hit; in fact audience members will leave with every song fighting for dominance (although admittedly Turley's "Tomorrow" is often the biggest earworm). The musical is jam packed with songs, that come alive in all the right ways. Godfrey's score for Hot Mess makes it an instant contestor for best musical soundtrack of the year. Joe Beighton and Jack Godfrey are Co-Orchestrators on the musical, whilst Issie Osborne is the musical director.

Hot Mess ensures that every audience member is engaged and entertained at all times, with every line contributing to a rewarding outcome. Packed with puns, word play, double meanings, humour and emotional punch, the musical is a promised paradise filled with endless joy and a remarkable score.

Helen Murray

Hot Mess is an intimate musical, and the set (by Shankho Chaudhuri) reflects that fact. A half circle that provides multiple layers with the use of shelves and stairs, helps contain the play, whilst also reminding us that this is ultimately Earth's world. Whilst this can occasionally cause issues for sightlines for audiences sat on either side of the stage, it's used effectively as the characters often position themselves in a place of power by being on higher ground. In tone with the witty nature of the piece, the smaller details, such as book titles like WHEAT PRAY LOVE and 50 SHADES OF CLAY and many more, are brilliant and worth keeping an eye out for. Chaudhuri is also responsible for costuming, and visualises each character's mental state through their outfits. Earth's costumes slowly lose colour and become more mundane as she chooses not to voice her opinions, whilst Humanity's costumes reflect his stride towards formality and work. 

Ryan Joseph Stafford has ensured that every scene is gifted with dramatic lighting, creating cinematic masterpieces. The actors are illuminated and made to appear even more striking under Stafford's design, allowing them to feel ethereal. Stafford also plays with shadows, spotlights and starry lights (dotted around the auditorium) to create more magic. Paul Gatehouse's sound design is invaluable as it creates an additional reference point to the unfolding conversations. With the rumbling of planes, the thundering and slowly depleting noise of birds, the attention to detail is greatly appreciated. 

Alexzandra Sarmiento (movement director) and Lex Kaby (intimacy director) ensures that the performers are never static and that their chemistry is electric at all times. The chemistry between Steers and Turley is palpable throughout, and the moments of intimacy are really well choreographed. 

The only possibly downside to the musical is its short runtime. Whilst it's impossible to condense thousands of years of Humanity into one musical, Hot Mess has carefully chosen important highlights that keeps the pace and momentum afloat. Yet one can not help but wish for a deeper dive into the relationship... or simply an excuse for the piece to develop and delight audiences for a full length musical. 

Production Value: 95

Value For Money: 100

Personal Enjoyment: 100

Overall Score: 97% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London

Playing until: 12th November 2025

Run Time: 65 minutes

Tickets for this venue can be found from £20 by clicking the link here to book online.

Hot Mess is currently playing at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant until the 12th of November.