Theatre Review: Starter for Ten, Birmingham Rep
AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2025 Production of ‘Starter for Ten’ at the Birmingham Rep*
A musical adaptation of the television quiz show University Challenge, based on David Nicholls’ bestselling novel, has arrived at the Birmingham Rep, and it’s warm, witty and truly delightful. We went along to Press Night on a drizzly October evening, looking forward to being transported back to 1985.
First performed at the Bristol Old Vic in 2024, this Antic Productions’ adaptation scores highly. If you’ve ever read a Nicholls novel (or had your heart wrenched out by the TV adaptation of One Day last year) you’ll know that he creates relatable, homegrown characters, in perfectly normal situations, and Starter for Ten is no different.
Working class lad Brian Jackson from Southend (Adam Bregman) is off to Bristol University. He arrives with a binbag full of clothes, a head full of general knowledge trivia and a dream, to compete in University Challenge., the TV show he had watched with his late father growing up. With an overwhelming number of societies to join, he finds his tribe within the University Challenge team, vying for glory in 1986. He meets an array of eccentric characters as well as the love of his (18 year old) life. Naturally things don’t go to plan. There’s a love triangle, family drama and classic teenage angst.
Bregman is brilliantly cast as Brian. He’s awkward, relatable and torn between his new life and his family and friends back home. When everyone around him is exaggeratedly odd, he is comfortingly normal. There’s the feisty Glaswegian activist Rebecca (Asha Parker-Wallace). Socially-awkward medical student Lucy (Miracle Chance). Love interest Alice (Imogen Craig), a posh Sloane Ranger with a Princess Di wardrobe. Patrick (Will Jennings), the University Challenge team captain achingly desperate to win at all costs. And a pair of rugby-playing, beer-swilling housemates.
Stephen Ashfield (last seen at the Birmingham Rep in Becoming Nancy) plays the dapper Bamber Gascoigne, host of University Challenge. He regularly breaks the fourth wall, in cahoots with the audience. And they love him for it. Mel Giedroyc (off of Mel and Sue) switches between zany quiz show boss Julia and Brian’s mum Irene, and is delightful in both roles. Her second act duet with Brian (“Everything Grows”) is genuinely heartfelt. And without Irene and “Uncle” Des (Luke Johnson), there wouldn’t be the charming ice cream van pootling across the stage.
It’s a strong ensemble cast, with many seamlessly transitioning from one character to another without ever confusing the audience. The cast of twelve feels so much larger. The standout performance for me though was from Will Jennings as Patrick Watts (“Watrick Potts”). His dancing is a particular treat.
Slick choreography and movement direction by Alexzandra Sarmiento expresses emotions, and keeps us in the 80s vibe. It gives us set pieces such as “Weightless” – a nod to the trend for TV exercise experts like The Green Goddess Diana Moran – and the energetic “Whiplash”.
Clever staging brings the iconic “double decker” tv set onto the stage. (Was anyone else shocked when they realised there were two separate desks, and they weren’t set up in a bunk bed style? No? Just me?). It’s used throughout the show in different iterations, to reflect class and family divisions as well as to remind Brian of his goal. A geometric background utilises the space, opening up the Rep’s stage to become the Jackson’s living room or a dodgy Italian restaurant with plumbing issues.
The 80s nostalgia is incredible, with an abundance of leg warmers, lycra and backcombed hair. It also gives us the opportunity for an upbeat score of original songs heavily influenced by 80s icons. Highlights included Alice’s Madonna-inspired number “For the Story”; “Touched by an Angel“ and Patrick’s manic “Time to Quiz”. Emma Hall, Charlie Parham, Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen have created a perfect pop soundtrack. Vocally it is Parker-Wallace that stands out though, both in the ensemble number “Heroes” and her duet with Dr Bowman (Rachel John)
Of course, the 80s wasn’t without its flashpoints. Themes of unemployment, apartheid and classism entwine with the humour. There are wry sniggers throughout the audience at mentions of the Tory stronghold. However co-writers Emma Hall and Charlie Parham ensure that the true themes are ones of friendship, inclusivity and finding common ground. It’s a feel-good musical that doesn’t dwell on poignant or sad moments, even if these might just round out the story a little more and give more of an emotional impact.
Starter for Ten is joyous, witty and full of nostalgia; I had a smile on my face throughout.
Starter for Ten plays at the Birmingham Rep until Saturday 1st November 2025. Purchase your tickets here.
Production Photos by Pamela Raith
*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.
