Casting is now complete for the upcoming return of the new musical Starter for Ten, which will again play the Bristol Old Vic September 10–October 11 before an engagement at Birmingham Rep October 22–November 1.
As previously reported, Mel Giedroyc (The Crown Jewels, Great British Baking Show) will reprise the roles of Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson, and Bamber Gascoigne’s sidekick Julia Bland.
Giedroyc will be joined by Adam Bregman (Chariots of Fire), returning as Brian; Miracle Chance (Heathers), reprising the role of Lucy; and Will Jennings (Les Misérables), again playing Patrick. They will be joined by new cast members, including Stephen Ashfield (The Book of Mormon) as Bamber Gascoigne and Brian's dad, Dave Jackson; Asha Parker-Wallace (Burlesque) as Rebecca; Rachel John (Hamilton) as Dr. Bowman; Christian Maynard (Midnight Cowboy) as Spencer; and Imogen Craig as Alice; with Michelle Bishop, Luke Johnson, Kwamé Kandekore, and Laura Dawn Pyatt.
Adapted from the novel by David Nicholls and the 2006 film, Starter for Ten 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 Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen.
The coming-of-age musical follows 18-year-old Brian Jackson, whose lifelong dream is to compete on the TV quiz show University Challenge. It's 1985 and, leaving
Southend to start his first year at Bristol University, he soon
discovers that falling in love and growing up take a lot more than
general knowledge.
Charlie Parham directs the production, which also has choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento, set and costume design by Lee Newby, lighting design by Zoe Spurr, sound design by Rob Bettle and Sam Clarkson for Sound Quiet Time, casting by Will Burton for GBC, fight direction by Kate Waters, music supervision, vocal arrangements, and additional music by Nick Barstow, and orchestrations by Tom Kelly.
The musical is co-produced by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films, and Playtone with thanks to Richard Reid, College Bowl, and ITV.
The original production was nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards 2024.
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