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Amy Mitchell enjoys a great night out full of music, comedy and fun, courtesy of The Six Twenty
Laugh-out-loud funny, clever, quirky, brain-scrambling and most of all fun, Mixtape is a concept that is hard to explain, but a definite must see. Part comedy sketch show, part music gig, part theatre show, Mixtape is mixes comedy sketches, a music quiz and a great night out, or as I described it to my partner (a Mixtape virgin) it’s like Whose Line Is It Anyway meets a really great pub quiz.
Having seen The Six Twenty’s Mixtape onstage before several years ago, I was excited to see them back on stage for a gaggle of festive special performances across South Tyneside. This show was in the Low Barn at the lovely Arts Centre Washington, where cabaret-style seating ensured a relaxed atmosphere.
The Mixtapers introduced themselves and the concept, and away we went! Using only song lyrics they perform short comedy sketches taking on festive tunes from Wham! to Mariah Carey via Eartha Kitt. You have to guess the song – which is super tricky as the music playing for the scene and the lyrics used as script jumble up – leaving you both laughing and scratching your head. At the end the points are added up and the winner gets the prized Golden Mixtape – and of course the glory.
It was great to see the team – some originals and some new faces – back on stage, having lost none of their sparkle, holding the audience in the palm of their hands as they got everyone warmed up and involved. It was a really mixed audience, and perhaps some of them didn’t know what they’d signed up for or what to expect, but most seemed to get into the spirit – and by the end we were all singing along and chatting. This type of show is something I’d love to see more of on stage, The Six Twenty’s aim is to ‘set fire to what theatre can be’ and this mix of music, comedy and devised theatre is quite unique. It makes a night out at the theatre more fun, interactive and like a great night out.
