Full cast announced for premiere of Starter for Ten musical
Full casting has been announced for the premiere of new musical Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic.
Based on the coming-of-age novel of the same name by David Nicholls and its follow up 2006 film adaptation, the show will run from 29 February – 30 March, presented by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films and Playtone.
The tale of love, class and growing up in the 1980s is set in Bristol against the backdrop of legendary British quiz show University Challenge.
Starring in the leading role, Adam Bregman plays the Southend-born, Bristol-bound undergraduate, Brian. Making her stage debut, Eubha Akilade takes the role of Rebecca. Stephenson Ardern-Sodje plays Brian’s childhood best friend Spencer.
The Challenge team also features Miracle Chance in the role of Lucy, Emily Lane as Alice and Will Jennings as Patrick.
Appearing as Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson, is acclaimed actress, presenter, comedian and writer Mel Giedroyc. She recently starred in The Crown Jewels at the Garrick Theatre in London with other theatre credits including Company (Gielgud).
Completing the adult cast are Robert Portal in the role of legendary quizmaster Bamber Gascoigne, Gemma Knight-Jones in the role of Professor Bowman, Luke Johnson as Des and Natasha O’Brien as Mrs Harbinson.
The company is completed by Finlay Blackman, William Hall and Rockingham Ooi-Griffiths sharing the role of Young Brian.
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…
Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the 80s, Starter for Ten is a bright, big-hearted coming-of-age comedy about love, belonging and the all important difference between knowledge and wisdom.
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 will be composed by Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman.
Charlie Parham directs with choreography by Shelley Maxwell, set and costume design by Frankie Bradshaw, sound design by Gregory Clarke and casting by Will Burton for GBC.
Emma Hall and Charlie Parham said: “It is so exciting to be working with a new generation of extremely talented young actors. In exactly the same way that the film ‘Starter for 10’ was instrumental in launching the careers of so many young British stars (James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall, Dominic Cooper and James Corden to name but a few!), we have seized this opportunity to champion and showcase the stars of tomorrow.”
For more information, visit starterfortenmusical.com
