How To Make A Mess
10 June 2026
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
HOW TO MAKE A MESS – A Totally Unauthorised Love Letter to Nigella Lawson is currently running at the Upstairs At The Gatehouse until 28 June. The new musical by Emily Rose Simons is am exploration of grief and belonging.
When Anna’s estranged mother dies, she is thrown into an unexpected loop of grief, forced to confront her childhood trauma and its consequences. With the help of a conjured up Nigella Lawson in her kitchen, Anna goes on a journey of self discovery while making a mess in her kitchen.
The musical is an emotional journey that holds a surprising amount of humour, bringing joy and light to the difficult topics of grief and difficult childhood memories. A sizzling two-hander that whisks its audience away on a wild journey learning to feed your body and soul.
There is no official affiliation with Nigella Lawson herself, but the character in the musical is beautifully defined, infused with a playful cheekiness and absolutely ravenous for life, connection, and of course food. She brings glamour and fun, but also deeper understanding and so much compassion. Anna on the other hand is a tough shell with a very soft inside, struggling to hold on while preferring distractions and parties to dealing with her problems. The two are perfectly matched to play off each other, complementary but polar opposites, making it an absolute joy to watch the interplay between them.
With a gorgeous soundtrack, there is plenty to get stuck into for the audience. From emotional ballads to fast paced numbers, the score is cohesive but varied. There is a beautiful touch of vulnerability threaded throughout, while the focus is on the joy and wonder of learning and healing. With real food being prepared on stage, recipes and cooking approached discussed, and two women laying bare their souls, How To Make A Mess is a stunning new musical that manages to blend deeper topics with light-hearted comedy. Perfectly balanced flavours that are just a tiny bit on the cheesy side, this show absolutely has the potential to develop into a West End hit!
