The production will run at the Bristol Old Vic from 10 September – 11 October 2025 followed by two weeks at Birmingham Rep Theatre from 22 October – 1 November 2025.
Following its run at the Bristol Old Vic in February 2024, Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films and Playton have announced the return of Starter for Ten to the stage later this year.
The musical is based on the 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.
Directed by Charlie Parham, Starter for Ten has a book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham. The 80s-inspired original score and lyrics is composed by queer, pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman.
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 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…
Starter for Ten in Bristol goes on sale to the public on 20th March and at the Birmingham Rep tickets go on sale on 17th March.
It has been confirmed that Mel Giedroyc will reprise the role of Brian’s mum, ‘Irene Jackson’ and Bamber Gascoigne’s sidekick ‘Julia Bland’. Talking about reprising her role, she 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!”
Further casting has yet to be announced.
For more information visit: https://starterfortenmusical.com/