Review! Hot Mess at The Other Palace. July 2026

After enduring last week's heatwave and all the hot mess that came with it, it felt only fitting that my next trip to London was for Hot Mess: A New Musical.

Following its successful 2025 run, Hot Mess has arrived at The Other Palace, and having missed it the first time around, I was delighted to finally take my seat.

From the creators of 42 Balloons, Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, Hot Mess is bursting with original pop songs as it charts the rise and fall of the greatest love story ever told. No, not Ross and Rachel, but Earth and Humanity. Over the course of its 90-minute runtime, the show delivers plenty of laughs and catchy tunes, while cleverly unravelling a story with a powerful message at its heart.

It's an undeniably bonkers premise on paper, but one that's executed with such wit, warmth and sincerity that you quickly forget just how unusual the concept really is.

Danielle Steers bursts onto the stage as Earth with undeniable sass, confidence and power. After all, why shouldn't Earth know just how incredible she is? Soon after, we're introduced to Humanity – or 'Hu' for short – played by Morgan Gregory. From their very first meeting, the chemistry between the pair is undeniable, laying the foundations for one of the most unique love stories you'll see on stage.

Although their relationship develops gradually, it's obvious from the outset that they're completely captivated by one another. Their playful back-and-forth banter draws plenty of laughs from the audience, making it easy to believe that Earth and Humanity are a match made in heaven. But as Hu's insecurities begin to overshadow his better judgement, his growing ambition threatens to become the very force that could destroy Earth forever.

One of the musical's greatest strengths is its clever personification of Earth and Humanity. They're concepts we're all familiar with, but imagining them as fully realised characters is both inventive and surprisingly moving. What could have felt like a far-fetched idea instead delivers a powerful reminder of the damage being done to our planet and, more importantly, that the responsibility to change its future lies with us.

Returning to the role of Earth, Danielle Steers is nothing short of sensational. She commands the stage with fierce confidence while delivering powerhouse vocals throughout. Morgan Gregory brings an endearing innocence to Hu, whose infectious enthusiasm gradually evolves into self-assurance as the story unfolds. By the time the musical reaches its emotional climax, both performers deliver heartbreakingly believable performances that make the audience feel every moment of their journey. By the time the musical reaches its emotional climax, both performers deliver heartbreakingly believable performances that make the audience feel every moment of their journey.

The score is packed with irresistibly catchy numbers that blend retro pop influences with a fresh, contemporary sound. They're the kind of songs that linger long after the curtain falls, and don't be surprised if you leave the theatre humming more than one of its infectious hooks.

The atmosphere was established from the moment I took my seat, with a carefully curated pre-show soundtrack immediately immersing the audience in the world of the musical.

Combined with Ryan Joseph Stafford's beautiful lighting design and Shankho Chaudhuri's deceptively simple yet wonderfully imaginative set, the production effortlessly transports us through the centuries. Despite spanning such a vast stretch of time, the story never feels rushed, maintaining an impressive energy throughout its brisk 90-minute runtime. Beneath its charm, humour and quirky concept lies a powerful message.

If June's relentless heatwave wasn't enough to remind you that we only have one Earth, then perhaps Hot Mess will. Funny, heartfelt and packed with infectious songs, it proves that the best way to deliver an important message is to make audiences fall in love with it first.

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Hot Mess is performing at The Other Palace until 6th September 2026

https://theotherpalace.co.uk/hot-mess/