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Birmingham Rep in Centenary Square, Birmingham

Starter for Ten

“Laugh-out-loud funny”
★★★★★ Lifestyle District

Fingers on buzzers!

After a sell-out run at Bristol Old Vic in 2024, the bright, big hearted and “truly brilliant” (★★★★★ Broadway Baby) new musical is back, with its “joy, comedy and 80s nostalgia” (★★★★ WhatsOnStage) dialled up to 11.

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 uni, Brian soon discovers that falling in love and growing up take a lot more than general knowledge…

The feel-good factor is irresistible”
★★★★ – Daily Mail

Adapted from the hilarious novel by bestselling author David Nicholls and the popular 2006 film, Starter for Ten is a coming-of-age comedy musical about love, belonging and the all important difference between knowledge and wisdom. Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the ‘80s, it was nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards 2024.

Mel Giedroyc reprises her roles as Brian’s mum Irene and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick Julia Bland.

A musical hit”
★★★★ – The Mail on Sunday

University Challenge recreation licensed from Richard Reid, College Bowl and ITV ® ITV Studios Ltd 2025. Licensed by ITV Studios Ltd. All rights reserved.

Venue

The House

Presented by

Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films & Playtone.
With thanks to Richard Reid, College Bowl and ITV.

Based on the novel by

David Nicholls

Based on the film by

HBO/Playtone

Book & lyrics by

Emma Hall & Charlie Parham

Original score & lyrics by

Hatty Carman & Tom Rasmussen

Directed by

Charlie Parham

Special Offers

Aged 16 to 25 Discounted tickets are available for this production for registered 16-25 members on Wed 22 Oct at 7.30pm.
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3 for 2: Add 3 shows into your basket and at checkout enjoy 33% off each production for selected productions.
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Running Time

Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including an interval

Age Guidance

12+

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Audience Reactions

Cast

Mel Giedroyc Headshot

Irene Jackson & Julia Bland

Mel Giedroyc

Creative Team

Book & Lyrics

Emma Hall
Charlie Parham

Music and Lyrics

Hatty Carman
Tom Rasmussen

Director

Charlie Parham

Choreographer

Alexzandra Sarmiento

Set & Costume Designer

Lee Newby

Lighting Designer

Zoe Spurr

Sound Designers for Sound Quiet Time

Rob Bettle
Sam Clarkson

Casting Director

Will Burton CDG

Fight Director

Kate Waters

Music Supervisor, Vocal Arranger & Additional Music

Nick Barstow

Orchestrator

Tom Kelly

Musical Director

Honor Halford-MacLeod
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