Mixed Sex, written and starring Samuel Normington, takes audiences on a nostalgic trip back to the 1990s—a time when Eternals dominated the charts and the Spice Girls were just making their debut. This coming-of-age comedy follows a group of 10-year-olds as they begin to explore their identities, interests, and the awkward, often hilarious, moments of growing up.
The play captures the era brilliantly, evoking memories of football-obsessed boys, a fixation on “tits,” and girls who idolized Care Bears and danced to Eternals. The humour is sharp, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and well-timed gags that keep the energy high throughout the performance. The writing cleverly taps into the awkwardness of childhood friendships and early discoveries about self and attraction, making for a relatable and engaging experience.
However, one slightly jarring element is the age of the characters. While the humour is spot-on, imagining these experiences through the lens of 10-year-olds feels a bit off. Some of the language and themes seem more mature than what most children that age would realistically express. The idea that they are already questioning and exploring their bodies in such an overt way feels slightly premature.
That said, the performances are strong, with Simon delivering a standout moment in a scene where his character performs for his parents—one that had both myself and the entire audience in fits of laughter. If you can overlook the slight disconnect with the characters’ ages, Mixed Sex proves to be an entertaining, well-crafted, and undeniably funny show. Still, one can’t help but wonder if aging the characters up slightly might have made the narrative feel a bit more natural and grounded.
Overall, this is a fun production that may resonate with those who grew up in the ‘90s, though a slight tweak in character ages and depth in story, it could have been made even stronger.
Link to Tickets: https://www.thelionandunicorntheatre.com/whats-on
Reviewer: Zain Russell
Reviewed: 19th March 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 2 out of 5.
