Starter for Ten A New Musical at Bristol Old Vic

The popular coming to age story premiers in Bristol Old Vic on 29 February

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 the 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.