Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic casting announced

Casting has been revealed for the forthcoming premiere of new musical Starter for Ten at the Bristol Old Vic.

An extremely strong cast includes Adam Bregman (The Effects of Lying) in the lead role of Brian, with Eubha Akilade (Find Me in Paris) as Rebecca, Stephenson Ardern-Sodje (Rock Follies , The Lion King) as Spencer, Miracle Chance (The Witches) as Lucy, Emily Lane (Frozen The Musical, The Sound of Music) as Alice, and Will Jennings (Les Miserables, The Mousetrap) as Patrick.

Further casting is to be announced.

The show will get its world premiere at Bristol Old Vic from 29 February to 30 March 2024.

The musical is based on David Nicholls’ coming-of-age novel, which was turned into a hit 2006 film starring James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Corden and Rebecca Hall.

The story is set in 1980s Bristol, and is a tale of love, class and growing up against the backdrop of legendary British quiz show University Challenge.

Starter for Ten The Musical has an 80s-inspired original score and lyrics composed by queer, pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen, who recently supported Rina Sawayama and Self Esteem on a UK tour, and Hatty Carman.

The show’s book and lyrics are co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, Artistic Directors of Antic Productions.

Starter for Ten is directed by Charlie Parham, 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 in a statement: “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.”

Author David Nicholls said: “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.”

The show is produced by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films and Playtone.

Links:

Bristol Old Vic

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Main photo: Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic - Casting. Photo by Oliver Rosser: LtoR: Top row - Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, Emily Lane, Will Jennings / Bottom row - Miracle Chance, Adam Bregman, Eubha Akilade