Hot Mess and Acid’s Reign: the romcom and queer cabaret spotlighting climate crisis

The musical "Hot Mess," created by Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote, uses the analogy of a toxic relationship between Earth and humanity to explore the environmental crisis. This production, which gained popularity at the Edinburgh fringe and is now showing in London, represents a growing trend in musical theatre to address climate change with a hopeful and playful tone. The musical is described as both an eccentric romcom with broad commercial appeal and a serious commentary on the planet's depletion.

This emerging genre of climate-focused musicals includes "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by the RSC, which recounts the true story of a Malawian teenager building a wind turbine amidst drought. Bryony Kimmings' one-woman show "Bog Witch" combines music and stand-up to discuss the planet's struggles. In New York, the folk-pop musical "Dear Everything," co-written by V (formerly Eve Ensler) and narrated by Jane Fonda, was created as a response to the climate emergency. Even established West End hits like "Hadestown" incorporate environmental themes, with its depiction of hell strewn with empty oil drums.