Starter for Ten
A NEW MUSICAL based on the novel by David Nicholls and HBO/Playtone Film | University Challenge ® recreation licensed from College Bowl and ITV. © ITV Studios Ltd 2024. Licensed by ITV Studios Ltd. All rights reserved.⭐ UK Theatre Awards 2024 Nominee ⭐
Best Musical Production
Truly brilliant
Feel-good Brit hit that’s surely bound for the West End
Showstopper musical full of joy, comedy and 80s nostalgia
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…
Adapted from the hilarious novel by bestselling author David Nicholls and the popular 2006 film, Starter for Ten is a bright, big-hearted new musical. Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the ’80s, this coming-of-age comedy is about love, belonging and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom.
Starring Adam Bregman (Sing Street, Huntington Theatre) as lovesick Essex boy, Brian; Mel Giedroyc (Company, Gielgud) as Brian’s mum Irene, and Robert Portal (The 39 Steps, West End) as the legendary quizmaster, Bamber Gascoigne.
Book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, with an ’80s-inspired original score and lyrics by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen. Directed by Charlie Parham.
Please note that we cannot guarantee the appearance of specific performers. Cast members’ performance schedules are subject to change, including unavailability, holidays or illness.
Presented by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films and Playtone
Image by feastcreative.com
With thanks to Neil Adleman, Nell Allum, Jon Bath, Katie Battock, Max Bittleston, Laura Blackley, Diane Borger, HarryBresslaw, Jack Bradley, Margo Broom, Feast Creative Ltd, Michelle Davis, Emily Forbes, Jude Fullwood, David Grindrod, Mike Gunning, Nathanial Gunning, Lily Harvey, Nicki Hall, Mel Hay, Dicky Howett (Golden Age TV), Jam+Post, Emma Knight, Tom Knowles, Anthony Van Laast, Nigel Lilley, Michel McCoy, Chris Morgan, Frankie Parham, Lily Parham, Ian Penny, Jon Rasmussen, Victoria Saxton, Daphne Schmon, Cycling Position (St Nicks), The Shop (Earlsfield), Annette Stone, Hugh Wyld & Storysmith Books, Umbrella Rooms
A look at the Costumes | Starter for Ten
7 Mar 2024
"so much of being a self-employed creative is about your own drive, your own passion, your own resilience." | An Interview with Gemma Knight Jones
7 Mar 2024
Starter for Ten | Song List
29 Feb 2024
5 minutes with designer Frankie Bradshaw
26 Feb 2024
A note from the writers | Starter for Ten
20 Feb 2024
Starter for ‘Top’ Tens
6 Dec 2023
1980s | the Decade that changed the world
27 Feb 2023
From Playlist to Score - Composing the music for Starter for Ten
27 Feb 2023
Superlatives all round
Joyous, silly and hilarious
The feel-good factor is irresistible
Daily Mail
Exudes joy and comedy
Transformed for the stage for audiences to adore
Thoroughly entertaining
A very fun ride
Laugh-out-loud funny... the cast were sensational
All photos by Marc Brenner
