What's On? Mix Up Recommendations
- Mix Up Theatre (Stewart)
- 10 hours ago
- 6 min read
Mix Up Theatre provides a few recommendations from students, families and teachers for things to see and do!
Seen anything good lately? Send us in a quick review and a rating for anything live, theatre, comedy, online or cinema based and we'll add it to our recommendations list.
E-mail: info@mixuptheatre.com
Film - Cinema
★★★★★
Woody, Buzz, and Bonnie return to deliver yet another remarkable adventure -- one that’s thematically relevant, tugs at the heartstrings, and still makes you laugh.
Georgie (Age 10) - ★★★★★
"I really loved it, it sends a good message and I think everyone should listen to it and get it. Be outside more and play. I don't want to spoil it and give too much away but it's really good and funny aswell. Everyone should go see it. The toys are back."
Have you seen it?
Theatre
★★★★★
Phoenix Theatre, London until 27th December
Stranger Things: The First Shadow opens to rave five star reviews! Theatre and storytelling has never been seen like this before and has been described as ‘The West End theatre event of the year’ (The Daily Telegraph).
Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set within the mythology and world of Netflix's hugely popular series.
Sandy (Age 13) - ★★★★★
"Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a wonderful show based on the world created by the Duffer Brothers. The story follows Henry Creel after he and his family move to Hawkins in search of a fresh start. At first, Henry struggles to fit in at school and make friends, but it quickly becomes clear that something isn’t right. Strange visions, terrifying supernatural events, and mysterious happenings begin to spread across the town. As the mystery grows, Henry, alongside young versions of characters such as Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado (Byers) , Bob Newby, and Dr. Brenner, become caught up in a series of disturbing events that slowly reveal the darkness hiding beneath Hawkins. The show also helps build the dynamics that are used in the actual show.
What truly sets the production apart is its technical achievement. The lighting, sound design, stage effects, and illusions are breathtaking. There are several moments where it’s genuinely difficult to understand how the effects are being created, making the supernatural elements feel astonishingly real. The pacing is excellent throughout, balancing suspense, humour, and heartfelt emotion. The wonderful staging combined with powerful acting makes for a wonderful experience for newcomers of the world of Stranger Things and people who have been following the show since the start.
This was one of the best stage shows I’ve ever seen, I give it five stars."
Theatre
★★★★★
28th - 29th July, The Mercury, Colchester - Part of UK Tour
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic, feel-good story is brought to roaring, soaring life in this delightful musical for children.
Mix Up Junior (Age 7) - ★★★★★
"I loved this show! It was so funny and the music was great and the funniest bit was the dragon when he farted and when he burped. I give it a 1000 stars."
4. Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary
Dance
★★★★★
4th August - 9th August, Princess Theatre, Torquay - Part of UK Tour
Lord of the Dance, the global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance, is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2026 to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with an extraordinary new tour. This milestone event promises to be a grand celebration of the production’s legacy, captivating over 60 million fans in 60 countries since its debut in 1996.
Tristan (Age 10) - ★★★★★
"At the start I almost though the music would be horrible because the opening piece sounded like almost heavy metal. Gradually it became more Celtic with the Irish Godess playing her whistle now and again and the screen with the backing pictures showed it was a story. The dancers were entirely in unison with not only each other, but also with their shouts. I wasn't so fond of the all male part dancing in front of the fire, but by the second half I could tell you weren't meant to like them as they were the evil side fighting the good.
The second half had more of a clear story than the first with more expressive dancing as well as movement, making it easy to follow. In the middle of the second half especially, I could feel my vocal cords being jolted by the beat of the music. And, lastly some of my favourite parts were just complicated foot rhythm but toy could tell it was music.
I really liked how all theough the show most of the parts were pointing to the original Lord of the Dance hymn in some way. Overall I rate this a 5 star performance and I'd definitely tell people to go."
5. The Karate Kid - The Musical
Theatre
★★★★★
28th July - 1st August - Cardiff Wales Millenium Centre - Part of UK Tour
The iconic 80s generation defining movie is now a dynamic new musical.
Houston (Age 9) - ★★★★★
"I liked the characters personalities. They were funny and enjoyable because the story was about a boy who won a karate tournament but also learnt about how to win in life. Wax on, wax off - balance is everything! "
Film - Short
★★★★★
Dimwitted Cuthbert Hope is enlisted in the army, and gets himself and his sergeant in constant trouble
Houston (Age 9) and Mum (reviewed at the Laurel & Hardy Double Bill) - ★★★★★
"Hippfest Laurel and Hardy...well, it was incredible. The live piano and percussion really set the scene in transporting you back in time.
There was a short explanation of the two films prior to the showing which explained how many films L&H did and when they hooked up with a Scotsman who starred in the film.
It was wonderful to hear the audience lol and all ages appreciating the experience.
Definitely worth it and would go again"
How do you rate this movie?...
Film - Short
★★★★★
Neglected by her husband, our heroine decides to make him jealous by getting the handyman to play a literary genius at a party and flirt with her.
Houston (Age 9) and Mum (reviewed at the Laurel & Hardy Double Bill) - ★★★★★
How do you rate this movie?...
8. The Ballad of Johnny and June
Theatre
★★★★
28th July - 1st August, York Grand Opera House - Part of UK Tour
Step into the world of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash in this brand-new musical packed with iconic songs, irresistible chemistry and real heart.
Archie (Age 13) - ★★★★
"This musical was amazing. It’s about the story of the country musicians Johnny Cash, and June Carter, their love for each other , and their problematic life with Johnny Cash‘s drug addiction. Their story is told from the perspective of their son John Carter-Cash as the narrator. The performances were amazing, especially towards the end, all actors delivering emotional, and enthusiastic performances. The vocals are very accurate and sound just like Johnny and June.
The stage is also great. It’s designed to look like the backstage of a venue with a full live band and all the other actors also playing instruments throughout the show. The music is fantastic, with Walk The Line, Ring of Fire and I’ve Been Everywhere being especially good fast numbers, and Will The Circle Be Unbroken? when Johnny’s brother died was really moving."
What else is on?...
The Comedy Cellar Edinburgh - Afternoon Show
Comedy
Saturday 1st August, Sunday 2nd August - 3pm - The Canon's Gait, Edinburgh
The Comedy Cellar – Underground Comedy. Ice Cold Air-Con. 5-Star Laughs.
Sick of sweating through summer in Edinburgh? Get underground – literally.
Underground stand-up comedy every night at The Comedy Cellar, Edinburgh’s 5-star comedy club on the Royal Mile. Raw laughs. Irish comics. No filters.
Truckfest Scotland
Festival
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
Car-crushing monster truck action, with motorcross stunt shows, Ice Road Truckers, truck pull challenge, thousands of trucks on display, retail stands, family entertainment, live music, food and drink.
Halo Arts and Victoria Park Community Trust: Commonwealth Community Gala
Festival
Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August, Victoria Park, Glasgow
Enjoy a free weekend of outdoor fun at Victoria Park as part of the Glasgow 2026 celebrations. Featuring live music, street performers, sports activities, creative workshops and colourful stalls. It celebrates local talent and community spirit while making it easy for everyone to join the excitement of the Games close to home.
FACT or FICTION: Cosmic Chaos
Science - Game - Families
until 25th September, Dundee Science Centre
Fancy a trip to outer space in the summer holidays? With the recent Artemis mission proving that Moon missions are possible again, Dundee Science Centre is taking visitors on a journey like no other!
FACT or FICTION: Cosmic Chaos is a gameshow-style experience where children and families can spin a giant wheel to explore some of the big questions around space exploration, astrophysics and engineering, from what would happen if an asteroid hit Earth to what is the most dangerous thing in outer space.
Mix Up Theatre is a youth theatre that runs drama classes for Ages 3-18 throughout Scotland (Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Linlithgow, South Queensferry).
To book in for a free trial you can register HERE
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