New production images have been released for the critically acclaimed new musical Starter For Ten, starring Mel Giedroyc and based on the bestselling novel of the same name by David Nicholls, and currently playing at Bristol Old Vic until 11 October before transferring to Birmingham Rep from 22 October to 1 November 2025.
Adapted from the novel and popular 2006 film, Starter for Ten is a coming-of-age comedy musical about love, belonging and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom.
Fingers on buzzers! Here’s your Starter for Ten… What is eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson’s proudest achievement to date? His A-level results. His idol? Kate Bush. His lifelong dream? To compete on legendary TV quiz show University Challenge. It’s 1985 and, leaving Southend to start his first year at Bristol University, Brian soon discovers that falling in love and growing up take a lot more than general knowledge…
Nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards 2024, this bright and big-hearted new British musical has a book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham,Artistic Directors of Antic Productions, with an 80s-inspired original score and lyrics by queer, pop-punk composers Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen.
In the current production, Mel Giedroyc reprises the role of Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson, and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick Julia Bland, Adam Bregman returns as Brian, Miracle Chance reprises the role of Lucy, and Will Jennings returns as Patrick.
They are joined by new cast members including Stephen Ashfield as Bamber Gascoigne and Brian’s dad, Dave Jackson, Asha Parker-Wallace as Rebecca, Rachel John as Dr Bowman and Christian Maynard as Spencer. Imogen Craig will make her professional debut as Alice. The cast is completed by Michelle Bishop, Luke Johnson, Kwamé Kandekore and Laura Dawn Pyatt.
The production is directed by Charlie Parham with Alexzandra Sarmiento as choreographer, Lee Newby as set and costume designer, Zoe Spurr as lighting designer, Rob Bettle and Sam Clarkson for Sound Quiet Time as sound designers. The show is co-produced by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films and Playtone with thanks to Richard Reid, College Bowl and ITV.
Tickets here.
