Hot Mess has been named the winner of the 2025 Popcorn Writing Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Created by Ellie Coote and Jack Godfrey, Hot Mess was selected from over 200 submissions by a panel of cultural figures including Chris Levine, Susan Wokoma, and Alison Sudol.
The award, presented by legendary comedian Miriam Margolyes at Pleasance Courtyard, includes a cash prize and career development support from Popcorn Group and BBC Writers.
Book writer and director Ellie Coote and composer and lyricist Jack Godfrey said:
“We’re so thrilled to receive the 2025 Popcorn Award. It’s a huge honour to have been nominated alongside so many amazing writers at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. It’s taken five years, two titles, four versions, and several break ups to write Hot Mess. We couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of Vicky Graham and Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre Department, led by Deirdre O’Halloran, who is also our genius dramaturg. A musical about the climate crisis is not necessarily an easy sell and we’re so grateful to have the platform to be a part of the conversation in our own silly little way.”
Hot Mess is a sharp, satirical musical that uses pop, comedy, and romance to explore humanity’s relationship with the planet. It reframes the climate crisis as a story of love, betrayal, and resilience.
Popcorn Writing Award committee member Sophie Petzal praised the show:
“An original, distinctive concept with witty lyrics and brilliantly clever oneliners… a bold and astute comment on the way we handle this earth.”
Second place went to Ordinary Decent Criminal by Ed Edwards, while third place was awarded to Ohio: The Bengsons by Abigail and Shaun Bengson. A special mention was given to Rodney Black: Who Cares? It’s Working by Sadie Pearson.
Charlotte Colbert, founder of the Popcorn Writing Award, commented:
“The Fringe is the perfect grassroots wonderland which births unique and original voices which we so need in these times.”
Since its inception, the Popcorn Writing Award has helped launch the careers of emerging playwrights, with past winners going on to secure West End transfers and television deals.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
