National treasure added to cast for hotly tipped new musical Starter For Ten

National treasure added to cast for hotly tipped new musical Starter For Ten

Posted on: 27 Nov 2023

A star-studded cast has been announced for the Bristol-based world premiere of Starter For Ten, featuring much-loved actress/comedian and former Bake Off star Mel Geidroyc.

 

Starter For Ten runs at Bristol Old Vic from Thursday 29 February to Saturday 30 March 2024.

 

What is eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson’s proudest achievement? His A-level results. His idol? Kate Bush. His lifelong dream? To compete on the legendary TV quiz show University Challenge. It’s 1985 and, after leaving Southend for his first year at Bristol Uni, Brian soon discovers falling in love and growing up takes a lot more than general knowledge.

 

BUY TICKETS HERE

 

 

Starter For Ten is a bright, big-hearted new musical adapted from the hilarious novel by bestselling author David Nicholls and the popular 2006 film. With an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous 80s student scene, this coming-of-age comedy is about love, belonging, and the difference between knowledge and wisdom.

 

The book and lyrics are co-written by Antic Productions’ Emma Hall and Charlie Parnham (who also directs), with an 80s-inspired original score and lyrics by acclaimed creative duo Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen.

 

This wonderful new spectacle will star Mel Giedroyc as Brian’s mum, Irene. Best known as one half of the beloved comedy duo Mel and Sue (alongside Sue Perkins), Giedroyc has co-hosted British TV favourites including The Great British Bake Off on the BBC and Light Lunch, Channel 4 and is a constant feature on UK television, securing her national treasure status.

 

The cast also features Adam Bregman (Sing Street, Bar Mitzvah Boy) as Brian, Eubha Akilade as Rebecca, Stephenson Arden-Sodje (The Lion King, Rock Follies) as Spencer, Robert Portal (The Crown, Funny Woman) as Bamber Gascoigne and Natasha O’Brien (Mamma Mia!, Aspects Of Love) as Mrs Harbinson.

 

Completing the cast list are Luke Johnson (The Light Princess, Wizard of Oz) as Des, Miracle Chance (The Witches) as Lucy, Will Jennings (Shrek The Musical, Les Misérables) as Patrick, Gemma Knight-Jones (A Christmas Carol, Hairspray) as Professor Bowman and Emily Lane (The Sound Of Music, Frozen) as Alice.

 

 

Starter For Ten runs at Bristol Old Vic from Thursday 29 February to Saturday 30 March 2024 with tickets available to purchase now HERE.

Read more:

 

Article by:

Stanley Gray

Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.