Initial casting has been announced for major new musical Starter for Ten, which receives its world premiere at Bristol Old Vic from 29 February-30 March.

Based on the hilarious coming-of-age novel by David Nicholls 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.

Introducing a new generation of young actors with a wealth of musical theatre talent between them, Adam Bregman (currently training at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) will play Brian, alongside Eubha Akilade (stage debut) as Rebecca, Stephenson Ardern-Sodje (Rock Follies, Chichester Festival Theatre) as Spencer, Miracle Chance (Heathers, The Other Palace) as Lucy, Emily Lane (Frozen, West End) as Alice, and Will Jennings (Les Miserables, West End) as Patrick.

Starter for Ten has a book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, with an 80s-inspired original score and lyrics composed by queer, pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman, direction by Charlie Parham, choreography by Shelley Maxwell, set and costume design by Frankie Bradshaw, sound by Gregory Clarke, and casting by Will Burton for GBC.

Emma Hall and Charlie Parham said: “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.”

Further casting will be announced later this year when the lead roles of Professor Bowman, Brian’s mum Irene Jackson, and the iconic quizmaster Bamber Gascoigne will be revealed.

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.”

Fingers on buzzers! Here’s your Starter for Ten…

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…

Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the 80s, Starter for Ten is a bright, big-hearted coming-of-age comedy about love, belonging and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom.

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