Unapologetically delicious new musical How To Make a Mess serves a Love Letter to Nigella Lawson. How To Make a Mess offers a joyful celebration of feeding yourself, through the exploration of recipes and the stories that they hold. The show navigates grief, the power of choosing what we let into our lives, and what we leave behind.
Review by Richard Lambert
How to Make a Mess has been through a significant development journey, with work-in-progress presentations at venues including the Oxford Playhouse, The Other Palace Studio and the Manchester Jewish Museum, and was previously known as Becoming Nigella before evolving into its current form.
It is clear that considerable resources and imagination have been invested in this production. The set is ambitious, filling the stage with kitchen cupboards across the rear wall and a substantial central island that immediately impresses on entering the auditorium. While visually striking, the scale of the island occasionally limits the available playing space, meaning much of the action takes place either behind it or around the edges of the stage.
There are several charming visual touches throughout. Oversized pieces of cheese descend on pulleys during one musical number, while a suspended shelf above the island adds character and reinforces the kitchen aesthetic. The stage management team deserve particular credit for the seamless handling of the large quantity of food and props that move constantly in and out of cupboards and refrigerator throughout the performance. The logistics involved can be a little noisey in places but are impressive and executed with remarkable efficiency.
The production takes a relatively static approach to staging, with movement and character interaction carrying much of the storytelling. While this suits some moments well, at least some choreography, or a greater use of physical storytelling, might have added another layer of energy and variety to the musical sequences.
A three-piece band remains onstage throughout, providing strong musical support and accompaniment. The score is pleasant and consistently performed, although some songs feel more reflective than narrative-driven, often reinforcing emotions or ideas already expressed in dialogue. A wider variety of musical styles and tonal shifts might help create greater contrast and emotional momentum across the evening.
At its heart, the show tells a warm and engaging story with themes of food, family and self-discovery. There is much to connect with in the material, though the narrative occasionally feels stretched across the demands of a full two-act structure. Further development of character arcs and story detail could help deepen the emotional impact and strengthen the show’s journey.
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Cast
- Tanya Truman
- Natasha Karp
Creative Team
- Book, Music & Lyrics: Joe Hampson
- Director: Grace Taylor
- Musical Director: Ben Ward
- Set & Costume Design: Libby Todd
- Lighting Design: Samuel Biondolillo
- Sound Design: Yvonne Gilbert
- Associate Director: Martha Geelan
- Production Manager: George Warren
Title How To Make a Mess: A Totally Unauthorised Love Letter to Nigella Lawson
Date Thursday 4th June – Sunday 28th June 2026
Location Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 1 North Road, Highgate Village,
London N6 4BD
Box Office https://www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com/
Price: Previews £18, Standard £25, Final week £27
Running Time 2 hours (including interval)