03 October 2025
Rebecca Atkinson is the creator and executive producer behind Mixmups Entertainment Limited, a brand that champions children’s play with inclusivity at the heart.
The Mixmups show, on Channel 5’s children’s TV programming, follows three main characters and their assistance pets, as they embark on playful, magical adventures.
Atkinson has retinitis pigmentosa herself and has designed the animated series to be as accessible as possible. Speaking of Mixmups, she told OT: “It’s the only disabled-led pre-school show of its kind globally.”
OT spoke to Atkinson about her eyewear, why Pockets the bear is her style inspiration, and what winning a Royal National Institute of Blind People award meant for her.
How many pairs of spectacles or sunglasses do you own?
Around 10. Some are very old, but I keep all my old frames and sometimes go back to them and get the lenses updated.
What frame shapes, colours, or styles do you usually go for?
I usually go for darker, bigger frames, which are bold but also robust enough to be taken up and down easily. I bought some beautiful light wire frame titanium glasses a few years ago but I kept losing them because they wouldn’t sit on my head.
I have tunnel vision due to retinitis pigmentosa, which means that I can’t use varifocals, so I am constantly taking my glasses on and off. I need frames that can withstand that.
Can you describe your favourite pair?
My favourite glasses of all time were a pair from Cutler and Gross. They were beautiful and people often commented on them. I also love my current glasses which are Tom Ford.
Who would you pick as your style icon when it comes to eyewear?
It’s got to be Pockets the bear in my pre-school show Mixmups. I wanted to create a character with glasses who wasn’t a stereotypical ‘nerd’ type. Pockets has oversized glasses with stars on the corners.
How long have you worn spectacles for and what prompted you to go for that sight test?
I have worn glasses for astigmatism since I was 15, but I have been a full-time glasses wearer for around 10 years.
What does vision and eye health mean to you?
Vision is a strange thing for me because I was diagnosed with progressive sight loss at 17. I am now registered blind with severe tunnel vision. By losing much of my sight, I have learnt so much about what it means to see, and also about my other senses and what they can do for me. My job is very visual but working on small screens means I’m able to see detail needed to design Mixmups within my visual field.
By losing much of my sight, I have learnt so much about what it means to see, and also about my other senses and what they can do for me
How important is eyewear to reflecting your personality?
I think it is very important. It’s the only accessory you wear every day. That, and your haircut.
How would you describe Mixmups? What led you to develop this series?
Mixmups is an award-winning 52 episode stop-frame animation series on Milkshake! On Channel 5. The show centres three little friends, Pocket, Giggle, and Spin, who mix up the magic of play and imagination with a magical wooden spoon and mixing box, and transport themselves on comical adventures. I created the show and have been lucky enough to write all the stories for the series. It’s the only disabled-led pre-school show of its kind globally. Look out for Pockets the bear – she's partially sighted and has a cute guide dog called Yapette.
What do you aim to share with families through the Mixmups series?
The show is all about the magic of play, but as a brand we aim to be fully inclusive to all children. All 52 episodes are available with British Sign Language and audio description. We have also launched a service called Ultra Access which allows viewers to mix up bespoke access using interactive TV technology. Families can choose from 14 access features including simplified visuals, lower background sound, and Makaton signs, to create truly personalised TV access.
What did it mean for you to receive an RNIB See Differently Award in the Design for All category?
Mixmups has been shortlisted for several awards, but the RNIB award was a personal favourite as it was wonderful that the judges saw that Mixmups really has been designed for all.
What are your top tips for selecting the right pair of frames?
- Take an honest friend with you
- Try on styles you think you won’t like
- Use your phone to take photos in the glasses from all angles.
Viewers can catch Mixmups on weekday mornings on Channel 5 or stream all episodes online.
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