Before Fringe even got going, we tipped Hot Mess as one to watch – and lo and behold, Ellie Coote and Jack Godfrey have only gone and snaffled the Popcorn Writing Award 2025. Satirical musical, climate chaos, break-ups, and witty one-liners – it had “winner” written all over it. And Theatre Village called it first. Sixth sense? More like Satchel Sense.
And don’t think we’ve forgotten: Rodney Black: Who Cares? It’s Working was right up there in our pre-Fringe Top Ten too, and the Popcorn crew gave it a shiny special mention. That’s two big nods for shows we’d already posted about. Coincidence? Oh honey, we don’t do coincidence.
The Award
The Popcorn Writing Award is no small fry (sorry, had to). Chosen from over 200 submissions, Hot Mess was picked by a committee of cultural heavyweights including artist Chris Levine, actor Susan Wokoma, singer Alison Sudol, producer Josie Ho, and writers Adam Kay, Sophie Petzal and Daragh Carville. This year’s award ceremony was hosted at the Pleasance Courtyard by none other than the legendary Miriam Margolyes – which, frankly, is reason enough to show up.
Winners bag a cash prize, plus career development support from Popcorn Group and BBC Writers. And it’s not just about the top spot – every finalist gets one-to-one development sessions with industry pros, making sure the whole shortlist leaves with more than just a lanyard and a hangover.
The Winners
First place – Hot Mess
Written by Book Writer & Director Ellie Coote and Composer & Lyricist Jack Godfrey, Hot Mess is a sharp, satirical musical that takes on the climate crisis through the language of pop, comedy, and romance. A love story meets a planetary crisis – witty, poignant, and very Fringe. Sophie Petzal (committee member) described it as:
“An original, distinctive concept with witty lyrics and brilliantly clever one-liners… a bold and astute comment on the way we handle this earth.”
Ellie and Jack were over the moon:
“It’s taken five years, two titles, four versions, and several breakups to write Hot Mess. A musical about the climate crisis is not necessarily an easy sell and we’re so grateful to have the platform to be part of the conversation in our own silly little way.”
Second place – Ordinary Decent Criminal by Ed Edwards
A gripping, darkly funny exploration of survival, morality, and justice. This one blurs the lines between personal experience and social commentary, asking how systems of power and inequality shape the choices people make when the odds are against them.
Third place – Ohio: The Bengsons by Abigail and Shaun Bengson
A powerful, life-affirming, music-led journey that confronts grief and mortality with humour, heart, and soaring songs. If you like your catharsis with a side of harmony, this one’s for you.
Special Mention – Rodney Black: Who Cares? It’s Working by Sadie Pearson
Popcorn Writing Award Founder Charlotte Colbert called the Fringe “a grassroots wonderland which births unique and original voices” – and we couldn’t agree more. Rodney Black got its special nod for exactly that reason. (Told you we had our finger on the pulse, didn’t we?)
The Legacy
The Popcorn Award has a serious track record. Past winners have gone on to West End transfers, international tours, TV adaptations, and enough shiny trophies to need an Ikea upgrade. Recent winners include VL by Kieran Hurley & Gary McNair and Weather Girl by Brian Watkins (2024), Dugsi Dayz by Sabrina Ali (2023), and Brown Boys Swim by Karim Khan (2022).
Shortlisted writers also get direct access to BBC Writers’ opportunities, which is about as handy a boost as you can get coming out of Edinburgh.
So, Fringe fam, remember this: Theatre Village doesn’t just review shows – we divine them. We’re like Mystic Meg with a notebook and a free press pass. If you want a future headline, best make sure it’s rattling around in Grace’s satchel before the Fringe even kicks off.
Now, someone pass me the popcorn – the Fringe just got delicious.
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