A new musical based on the hit movie Starter for Ten is set for the stage.
The movie, which launched the careers of James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall, was based on David Nicholls’ best-selling coming-of-age novel.
The world premiere will take place at the Bristol Old Vic, running from 29 February to 30 March 2024, and the show is the first announcement for Nancy Medina’s inaugural season as Artistic Director of the Bristol Old Vic.
Set in 1980’s Bristol, the new musical has an 80’s inspired original score and lyrics by queer, pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman. Book and lyrics are co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, Artistic Directors of Antic Productions.
Charlie Parham will also direct, alongside set and costume design by Frankie Bradshaw, lighting design by Jai Morjaria and casting by Will Burton for GBC.
A tale of love, class and growing up in the 1980s, Starter for Ten is set against the backdrop of legendary British quiz show University Challenge.
Casting for the new musical is to be announced.
Author David Nicholls said in a press statement: “Nearly 20 years after publication, it’s such a thrill that Brian’s misadventures are being brought to the stage, and by such a brilliant, dynamic team.”
Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, Artistic Directors of Antic Productions, said: “Ever since we first read David Nicholls’ brilliant novel, which brims with music on every page, we just knew it had to be a stage musical. To be presenting the world premiere of a Bristol-based story at the Bristol Old Vic is sincerely a dream come true. We cannot wait to bring this electrifying mix of general knowledge and anthemic, 80s-inspired music to audiences.”
Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen, composers of the new musical, said “We have absolutely adored bringing David Nicholls’ totally flawed, completely loveable characters to the stage. As musicians, it’s exhilarating to bring our love of the DIY music scene that raised us to a theatre like Bristol Old Vic.”
The show is produced by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films and Playtone.
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