Following a sold-out run, Starter for Ten the musical, starring Mel Giedroyc, based on the bestselling David Nicholls novel and popular HBO/Playtone film, will return to Bristol Old Vic from 10 September – 11 October, followed by two weeks at Birmingham Rep Theatre from 22 October – 1 November 2025.
Set in 1980’s Bristol, with the backdrop of TV quiz show University Challenge, this big-hearted show features an 80s-inspired original score and lyrics by Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman, with book and lyrics by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham.
Tickets go on general sale on 20 March in Bristol and 17 March in Birmingham. For more information, visit Starter for Ten Musical.
Following a record-breaking run at Bristol Old Vic in February 2024, Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films, and Playtone are delighted to announce that the critically acclaimed new musical Starter for Ten will return to Bristol Old Vic from 10 September – 11 October 2025, followed by two weeks at Birmingham Rep Theatre from 22 October – 1 November 2025.
This bright and big-hearted new musical will welcome back acclaimed actress, presenter, comedian, and writer Mel Giedroyc to reprise the role of Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson, and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick, Julia Bland.
Mel Giedroyc said: “Buzzers at the ready— I’m beyond thrilled to be reunited with Starter for Ten! Our first run in Bristol was glorious—the audiences, the energy, the sheer joy—and to be returning to Bristol Old Vic feels like coming home (again). And then, to be taking it to Birmingham as well? Let’s crack open the Babycham IMMEDIATELY PLEASE! We’re bringing back the nail-biting competition, the romance, the wild 80s-inspired original soundtrack that will have you throwing on a legwarmer, back-combing your hair till it’s as big as Thatcher’s and dancing like nobody’s watching. I am genuinely so proud of our show and cannot wait for even more people to see it!”
Based on the hilarious coming-of-age novel by David Nicholls (One Day, Us, Sweet Sorrow) and the popular 2006 film adaptation starring James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Corden, and Rebecca Hall, this tale of love, class, and growing up in the 1980s is set in Bristol against the backdrop of legendary British quiz show University Challenge. Further casting for the musical is to be announced.
Starter for Ten has a book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, Artistic Directors of Antic Productions. The 80s-inspired original score and lyrics are composed by queer, pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman. The production is directed by Charlie Parham.
