Words: Michelle Jamieson

3 stars

Hot Mess arrives with acclaimed writers, high production values, and impressive review. The creative duo behind 42 Balloons clearly know what they’re doing; crafting songs that feel very much of the moment – an emalgamation of the last decade’s hit musicals. However, this familiarity becomes a weakness as the songs sound increasingly similar throughout, at times becoming grating in their repetition.

Danielle Steers and Tobias Turley are 100% committed to the piece, delivering impressive vocals and big energy with complete dedication to telling the story of Earth and Humanity’s relationship. The lighting design is excellent, supporting the clearly substantial production values on display.

What doesn’t work for me is the content itself; the personification of Earth and Humanity’s relationship as a modern romance feels like a framework where you could input any words and still have a hit musical. Despite tackling such timely subject matter in our current climate crisis, the show chooses not to make any real statement.

While the technical elements shine and the performers give their all, Hot Mess feels like a missed opportunity. It has all the ingredients for success but lacks the substance to match its polished presentation.

Hot Mess
Pleasance Two at Pleasance Courtyard
15:10, 16:45
30th Jul – 25th Aug