Half quiz, half sketch show, the rules of Mixtape are simple: the Mixtapers perform sketches inspired by and made out of song lyrics, and we have to guess what song and artist it is. The team with the most points at the end of the show/game wins… *drumroll*… the golden mixtape. The sketches must use the exact words of the song, and can be no longer then the song itself.
Having played Mixtape, I think it’s safe to say that I am absolutely no good at it at all. Given that I’m 20 years old, I felt I should probably be pretty strong on the whole pop song references thing. When we swapped answer sheets for marking, however, it was a source of some embarrassment for me (and glee for them, by the look of it) that the middle-aged couple sitting behind me more than doubled my score.
Some of the sketches are enjoyable; however many are a little hit and miss. The problem with Mixtape is that if you don’t get the song, it’s just not that funny, and the majority of the sketches are not strong enough to stand alone. Performances, similarly, are sometimes a little shouty and screechy. At times the whole thing felt like an improv show, even though it absolutely is not.
However, although Mixtape may not be perfect, it is a fun idea and if you fancy yourself as having good music lyric knowledge (or at least better then me) then it’s an enjoyable twist on a quiz. Different nights have different themes, including Number Ones, The 80s, Brit Pop, Girl Bands vs Boy Bands and Solo Superstars. This show is definitely more fun with friends so make sure you go with a decent team!
Mixtape is playing at Underbelly, Cowgate (Venue 61), from 18-30 August as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. For more information, visit the Edinburgh Fringe website.