Stage Review Starter For Ten at The Rep
- debra Hall
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 25
⭐⭐⭐
Starter For Ten
Director and writer Charlie Parham
Lyrics Emma Hall
Introduction
Based on two written works by author, David Nicholls: the novel Starter For Ten published 2003 and the screenplay for the HBO/Playtone film Starter For 10 (2006)
The stage adaptation by Charlie Parham and Emma Hall premiered at the Bristol Old Vic in early 2024, so this is a relatively new musical.. ‘Starter for Ten’: a phrase that is used along side others like ‘fingers on buzzers’ re: TV’s University Challenge - and remains one of this popular quiz show’s unchanged, scripted formats.
There is much nostalgia about University Challenge the toughest of all TV quizzes and it has been a subject used in comedy before: The Young Ones springs to mind and it is regularly referenced in The Detectorists series.
Overview
Brian was just a boy when he and his Dad would enjoy watching the programme together.
Charting Brian to the point he sets off to university in the mid eighties when he leaves behind his childhood home, his widowed Mum and his best friend.
It’s Freshers’ week and Brian is not too sure of what to make of his roomies, he is offered opportunities to join societies and to go to a fancy dress party were he meets posh Alice who he takes on a date. English Literature is his subject as it is for goth girl, Rebecca, she keeps him 'on his toes’. The year proves challenging for Brian, but it’s a different challenge that beckons him and that is to pursue his big dream of representing the Bristol Uni team on his all time favourite quiz show.
Comment
There is much to admire about this musical performance led story, because the success of university is pretty much measured by how well the social side goes and there is a lot about that aspect which can be funny. Excruciating too, the early awkwardness of first encounters with people who all seem to be navigating things easier than you. Therefore, plenty of subject material to present the trials and tribulations of Brian’s first year at uni and serves as a solid base for a good, musical comedy.
One can appreciate the music compositions and the well-constructed song lyrics of this fast-paced musical and there’s some strong vocal performances. There is definitely humour here and the story telling is delivered in music and song, movement and dancing all of which is light entertainment. There are more serious musical numbers, still dynamic in delivery, but designed to match the mood of the character, but, as with many musicals, narration and dialogue takes a back seat.
Stephen Ashfield’s take on Bamber Gascoigne (the shows first host) is a joy, an all round song and dance man. Adam Bregman, with his nerdy, studious look is a perfect musical version of, Brian. Asha Parker Wallace (Rebecca) is an exceptional singer and what a pleasant surprise to see TV’s Mel Giedroyc in the cast playing Mum, Irene/Julia Bland. note: the cast includes two child performers namely Logan Meers and Callum Frayne who share the role of young Brian.
A live band of five musicians play behind the scenes and include Musical Director, Honor Halford-MacLeod on keys.
All performances are flawless and the wall of sound is cool, however, to describe this show as 'hilarious' is somewhat misleading. It's a visual treat, but a smile can disappear as quick as it appears because when the humour hits and you get the joke they're already on to the next, so one is left feeling robbed of moments, nonetheless a great show for anyone who is a real fan of the genre.
ENDS
Review of Starter For Ten (the musical) by theatre critic, Debra Hall who attended the show at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on press day, Thursday 23 October - 2.30pm
References
The Rep printed programme Starter For Ten
The Rep Production Photography 24 Oct 2025
Dawn of Books Review: Starter for Ten by David Nicholls
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