Hilarious, lively, fast-moving and deeply unpredictable (in a good way) is how I would describe Mixtape. It is not just a normal theatrical experience but something that is hugely interactive and energizing. I have been to see Mixtape on a couple of occasions now and it is true to say that no two nights are the same. They are back with a red-hot sizzling summer special at Live Theatre this July.
The Mixtapers’ unique brand of music quiz tomfoolery is on for two nights this July before heading out on the road to Sunderland and Alnwick later in the summer. It’s a mix of edge-of-your-seat comedy, theatre and everyone’s favourite pub quiz round – the music round!
As Live Theatre’s Executive Producer, Graeme Thompson, explains:
“Mixtape is one of the most unique performance experiences in our region. Combining theatre, music and comedy it is always a hit with Live Theatre audiences. The Mixtape shows are always an hilarious, alternative night out which usually sells out!”
How does it work?
Using only song lyrics, The Mixtapers perform comedy sketches taking on everything from Madonna to Wham!, Green Day to Bob Marley, Sam Ryder to Beyoncé. Players (audience members) battle it out in teams to try and guess the tracks that inspire the sketches to be in with the chance of winning the highly coveted golden mixtape. Players can expect non-stop hits from a huge range of music genres and decades that are bound to keep them guessing. Jam packed with sketches inspired by summer staples, this ‘Quizisential’ summer edition of Mixtape is guaranteed to get audiences head scratching, dancing and belting out the tunes.
But it’s not all about winning the golden mixtape. There are plenty of chances for players to bag a prize including for best team name and best Fancy Dress inspired by Summer Music Icons or Summer Festival Party dress.
A celebration of our favourite things
Mixtape’s creator and director, Melanie Rashbrooke, says:
“After over two years away, we couldn’t be more excited to be bringing Mixtape back for a summer of fun in Newcastle, Sunderland and Alnwick. Unlike your typical theatre trip, you can expect to hear teammates debating the answers, people dancing in the aisles (and sometimes on the tables) and everyone singing along to their favourite tunes.
“Mixtape is a celebration of all our favourite things; music, pub quizzes, theatre and comedy sketches. It’s about bringing people together for a fun night out, which I think is
something we could all really do with right now. You can come as a team, play in pairs or (if you’re feeling up for the challenge) battle it out solo to try and win the ultimate prize; The Golden Mixtape. We can’t wait to press play on our boombox and get Mixtape back out on the road this Summer”
The cast and creatives
Mixtape features a cast and creative team of North East theatre-makers and artists called The Mixtapers. This Summer they include fan favourites, James Barton (I Made You a Playlist, Summer Streets), Steven Blackshaw (Club Six Twenty, The Independent), Jessica Dawson (Bluebeard, Camisado Club), Caroline Liversidge (Bluebeard, Alphabetti Theatre), Lewis Jobson (Redcoat, Live Theatre), Cameron Sharp (House of Love and Drag Idol 2022 winner) and Hannah Walker (Gamble, Northern Stage and Savvy B, UK Tour).
Mixtape at Live Theatre
Mixtape is at Live Theatre from Friday 15 to Saturday 16 July at 8pm (doors 7pm), with a free DJ summer party set after the show for ticket holders on Saturday 16 August. Tickets are £10 –
£15, concessions from £6. Mixtape is suitable for ages 14+ and includes adult content and strong language. For more information or to book tickets visit www.live.org.uk or contact Live Theatre’s Box Office on (0191) 232 1232.
Mixtape touring
Touring dates include; Carnival House (Sunderland) Saturday 20 August, and Alnwick Gardens, Thursday 1 & Friday 2 September as part of Mixtape’s Summer Sizzlers Tour. For more information visit: https://thesixtwenty.com/mixtape
Mixtape is created and directed by The Six Twenty’s Artistic Director Melanie Rashbrooke, produced by Emma Biggins and production managed by Craig Spence.
This project was made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
