Max Levine and Anna Piper recorded themselves for a year to find the funniest sketch ideas to put into the show. We get a giggly glimpse into their rehearsals as short clips are projected showing them in their natural brainstorming habitat. The pair are ultra-cool-creative-millennials, super chill and quick-witted (in a loveable way). They clearly vibe well together and their relationship feels strong and comfortable. Levine is boyish and confident, with a dry and quick sense of humour. He feels settled on stage and together, the pair feel grounded and calm. Piper is a cosy, Brummie drama teacher with a warm voice and kind energy.
A light-hearted sketch show
Their sketches make you lol… (laugh in your head and not necessarily out loud), and comedy-wise it starts off a little meek, but the duo settle into it as they get to know their audience a little more. They’re nicely candid with us and take us through their process of making the piece, as well as their personal thoughts on the show. The pair aim to make the piece as hot and topical as possible and we chat in between sketches about the ‘issues’ being raised, which causes rumbles of laughter.
Sketches of particular note are the Maids In Chelsea, a pair of gossipy Tudors that make us laugh by chatting about their ridiculous reasons for being beheaded or how they invented football. There is also a brilliantly breathy Theresa May impression that hits the nail on the head, as well as the tearing apart of David Guetta’s song Sexy Bitch. The quick fire sketches are funny, but we’re lacking energy in some places. There’s not much of a buzz in the room, it feels more like we're hanging out with some witty mates.
They speak to a strange alien in a box throughout, which is never really explained, but gives the audience a chance to get involved as we help the pair describe various types of food; 'Sir, how do you describe a pineapple to an alien?' Hot Mess are performing two shows during Brighton Fringe, with their second show Dirty Stopouts showing at midnight. There’s potential they reserve energy for their second show… Either way it could do with a boost. Hot Mess: Bezzie Mates is a light-hearted sketch show which promises to provoke a giggle at the very least.
