West End powerhouse Danielle Steers has captivated audiences with her unforgettable performances as Catherine Parr in SIX the Musical and as the original Zahara in Bat Out of Hell The Musical. Now, she takes on an entirely new challenge as “Earth” in Hot Mess, a bold new pop musical that reimagines the climate crisis as a turbulent love story between Earth and Humanity.
In this exclusive interview, Danielle opens up about what drew her to the role, the unique intensity of performing in a two-hander, her inspirations, and why Hot Mess feels like one of the most exciting creative experiences of her career.
Hot Mess is described as a new pop-musical that re-imagines the climate crisis as a romantic relationship between Earth and Humanity. You play “Earth” what attracted you to that role and what does it mean for you personally?
I think initially the music drew me to the show and then the message. I think it’s such an important topic, but I also loved the fact that the writing is so clever that it never feels preachy. The fact that it’s a two handed really drew me in as well… I thought, what a challenge!
This production is a two-hander (you and one other performer) on stage for the majority of the show. How does that dynamic shift your preparation, your energy on stage, and your connection to the audience?
Well, we only have each other to rely on so we have to be completely locked in from the top of the show. We have a little check in ritual that we do every day to make sure we’re both good and we can get into the right mind set but Toby is so great, and I feel like he completely has my back (as I have his) and I think it’s super important to have that!
The show has a short runtime (65 minutes) and no interval. How does that rhythm influence your performance both vocally and emotionally?
It feels so right! It’s such a rollercoaster of a show so you have to really push through all of those emotions. Its tiring but I love doing it so much that it never feels like effort.
You are perhaps best known for your principal role as Catherine Parr in SIX the Musical (West End) and for originating Zahara in Bat Out of Hell – The Musical. What did you learn from those experiences about forging a character that will be strongly associated with you?
Well, I guess I didn’t know that at the time but with Zahara I found how incredibly fun it is to create a role and have no “blueprint” finding and exploring who this person is. That’s another reason I was so excited for Hot Mess because I got to create this character from scratch.
With SIX I guess I learnt how to put my own spin on things, yes, the character had been played before, but I knew I could play it how I wanted to and have my own version of apart which is something that’s so great about SIX! They don’t want you to be the same as other people.
So, I guess the biggest thing I learnt was how to navigate my creativity, which is something I love!
Who are the theatre artists (actors, directors, writers) you still look up to or who currently inspire you?
I get inspired from lots of different places. Sometimes I’m having a lull, and I see a show and it lights that fire in me again. Sometimes working with a director can make you feel seen, I have loved my time working with Ellie Coote for this reason, she creates such a gorgeous and safe environment to work in and I admire that!
I also get inspired by lots of different artists and MT performers. Especially when they’re playing a role that breaks the mould, a role that they wouldn’t have even got in the room for years ago, but times are slowly changing, and I love to see people getting the roles they truly deserve!
If you could duet with any performer, living or dead, who would it be and what song would you sing?
Ooo great question! I think it would have to be Freddie Mercury or Meatloaf! I would be happy to sing absolute anything from either of their back catalogues!
What’s your pre-show ritual do you have a lucky charm, a particular warm-up song, or a routine you can’t skip?
I don’t really. My go to would be a Jakemans before act one and another for act two, I actually used to think I couldn’t do a show without them ha-ha. I’ve slowly worked my way out of that one.
For Hot Mess in particular, I have to make sure I’m holding my opening props in specific hands. They don’t need to be as it makes absolutely no difference…but it my head it does!!!
You’ve worked with amazing casts over the years. Who’s your backstage partner-in-crime the person who always cracks you up?
I’ve met a few over the years but three people spring to mind would be Sam Ivey, Lauren Drew and Courtney Bowman!! I would happily have backstage with me every day because of the absolute silliness and crazy times we’ve have backstage.
If you weren’t a performer, what would you be doing?
Ooooh that’s a tough one, I think I’d still be in the arts in some capacity… I’ve always dreamed of being a casting director, so I’d have to say that!
With Hot Mess, Danielle Steers once again proves why she’s one of the most dynamic and fearless performers in British musical theatre. Balancing powerhouse vocals with emotional vulnerability, she brings depth and humanity to a role that speaks to the world’s most urgent issues.
Whether she’s commanding a West End stage or crafting a brand-new role from scratch, Danielle continues to inspire audiences and artists alike reminding us all that creativity, courage, and connection are what truly make theatre thrive.
Follow Danielle on Instagram at @MissSteers to keep up with her latest projects and performances.