Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films & Playtone
with thanks to Richard Reid, College Bowl and ITV
PRESENT THE NEW COMEDY MUSICAL
STARTER FOR TEN®
STARRING ACCLAIMED ACTRESS, COMEDIAN AND TV PRESENTER,
MEL GIEDROYC
COMING TO BIRMINGHAM REP FOR THE FIRST TIME
FROM 22 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER 2025
TICKETS ON SALE 17 MARCH
‘Fingers on buzzers! Here’s your Starter for Ten…’
Following an acclaimed record-breaking run at Bristol Old Vic in February 2024 Birmingham Rep is delighted to welcome the Birmingham premiere of the criticially acclaimed new musical Starter for Ten from 22 October – 1 November 2025.
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…
This bright and big-hearted new musical, stars acclaimed actress, presenter, comedian and writer Mel Giedroyc to reprise the role of Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick Julia Bland.
Based on the hilarious 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, this tale of love, class and growing up in the 1980s is set in Bristol against the backdrop of legendary British quiz show University Challenge.
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 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!”
Mel Giedroyc is a TV presenter, writer and actress. She is known for her work alongside Sue Perkins in shows such as the multi Bafta-winning Great British Bake Off (BBC) and Light Lunch (Channel 4) which made them household names. Mel has appeared in sitcoms and panel shows, as well as on stage, most recently in Stephen Sondheim’s Olivier Award winning Company at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End.
Mel and Sue were reunited in the comedy series Hitmen for Sky. Mel has been a regular presenter for BBC’s Children In Need and Eurovision. Mel also hosts the comedy panel show Unforgivable (BBC2) and her first novel The Best Things was released in 2021. She is currently writing her second novel.
Mel was recently the host of legendary game show Pictionary for ITV as well as being a radio presenter for The Magic Request Show on Magic Radio every Sunday.
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 is composed by queer, pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman. The production is directed by Charlie Parham.
*Tickets for Starter for Ten at The Rep go on general sale on 17 March. Visit www.Birmingham-rep.co.uk or call 0121 236 4455.