We take a look at what is being said about the musical adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel, playing until the 30th March.
The Guardian: *** “The music, by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen, is infused with synth sounds and musical debts to the likes of New Order and Eurythmics as well as Brian’s beloved Kate Bush. The songs are full of energy and funny lyrics (written by Hall, Parham, Carman and Rasmussen) although not all are catchy in themselves.”
The Telegraph: **** “This stirring new musical revitalises the David Nicholls novel about University Challenge, delivering a huge dollop of 80s nostalgia.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “In creating a musical which already has a strong narrative from its source material, bringing to life the characters on stage has been executed exceptionally well by Casting Director Will Burton, with the likes of TV’s Mel Giedroyc taking on Irene, Brain’s mum, who keeps putting off painting the walls in her home in Southend-on-Sea in fear of ‘pressing play’ and resuming her life after the death of her husband. Emily Lane, who we last saw as Anna in Disney’s Frozen, is worlds away from that beloved story here to tackle Alice Harbinson, a student at Bristol University who dreams of being a star, and has undoubtedly one of the greatest numbers in the show, which depicts the moments in her life where love has been at the foreground.”
Bristol247.com: “And then there’s Mel Giedroyc. It would be easy to assume that she had simply been brought in as the ‘as seen on TV’ name to liven up the publicity. But no – the producers are undoubtedly getting full value for their fee. Giedroyc delivers a powerful, well-rounded performance as Brian’s mum, but then also pops up frequently in the ensemble to demonstrate her top class comedic talents. And her appearance as the Granada Television producer is so startlingly reminiscent of Margaret Thatcher that a chill briefly runs through audience members old enough to remember the Iron Lady.”
Visit Bristol.co.uk: “This truly is one of the best things I’ve seen in a while and to catch it this early out the gate feels exciting and fresh. I urge you to book tickets to see it here, with this cast, at Bristol Old Vic while you can, as I have a feeling this production has a bright future.”
Stage Talk: ***** “From the off, this production lifts you up with its energy and pace, its careful observations of young lives finding their way. Fun and pathos intertwined, there is never a dull moment thanks to the verve in Charlie Parker’s direction. Frankie Bradshaw’s mobile set switches seamlessly from living room to lecture room to studio set, while there is good balance to the sound by Greg Clarke. And heads up to Kate Waters for two particularly convincing on-stage fight sequences. Hurry and buy your tickets, once word gets around, they’ll be gone in a flash!”
WhatsOnStage: **** “Once word gets out about how infectious the theatre adaptation of Starter for Ten is, it’s easy to imagine the show getting picked up by theatres across the UK. With the buzz around the Netflix adaptation of David Nicholls’ other hit novel, One Day, it would be a crying shame not to introduce the world to the riotous world of Starter for Ten as well.”
The Stage: *** “Clever lyrics and an expert cast make this new musical buzz”
To book tickets visit: https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/starter-for-ten