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Pictures: Pamela Raith Starter for Ten Birmingham Rep ***** The Birmingham Repertory Theatre was absolutely buzzing last night as Starter for Ten burst onto the stage with charm, humour, and a ton of heart. Charlie Parham and Emma Hall, Co-Artistic Directors of Antic Productions have adapted the novel by David Nicholls into a toe tapping new musical that is fresh, vibrant and exciting. With an incredible score by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen, this production delivers everything you could want from a night at the theatre. Great laughs, emotional moments, and an infectious energy that had the audience grinning from start to finish. The musical numbers were brilliant throughout, catchy, clever, and full of personality. From high energy ensemble pieces to moving solos and duets, every song felt perfectly placed and brought moments of both humour and pathos. The choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento deserves a special mention, it was sharp, inventive, and full of fun. Every routine felt purposeful, often packed with little comic details that kept the audience engaged. The stage was constantly alive with colour, rhythm, and joyful movement, the cast moving together as one and making the most of the dynamic set, designed, along with costumes that complimented the era by Lee Newby.
Asha Parker-Wallace as the politically aware fellow student Rebecca and Adam Bregman as Brian Jackson Set in 1985, the production centres around Brian Jackson and his attempts to get a place on University Challenge in his first year at Bristol University. Brian has dreamed of this moment since he was a little boy, a keen fan of the show who delighted in watching episodes with his father, who sadly passes away when Brian is still very young. This is undoubtedly an ensemble piece of theatre, not a weak link in the production. Adam Bregman is the perfect Brian Jackson, the idealistic student with big dreams and a bigger heart. He’s funny, endearing, and carries the story effortlessly, with a strong voice and a natural likeability that keeps you rooting for him. Stephen Ashfield, doubling as Brian’s dad Dave Jackson and quiz host Bamber Gascoigne is a delight. His ability to flip between heartfelt dad moments and the slick, showbiz charm of the host was outstanding. He gave the show both warmth and sparkle, with great comic timing. At the centre of it all is the one and only, Mel Giedroyc, who almost steals the show as Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson and the razor sharp, second in command to Bamber at Granada Studios, Julia Bland. She’s warm, witty, and wonderfully expressive, lighting up the stage every time she appears. Well known for her comic brilliance, but here she balances that humour with real emotional depth, her scenes opposite son Brian were tender, funny, and beautifully played. Her comic timing is impeccable and she has that rare ability to make every moment feel spontaneous and alive. You could feel the affection for her radiating from the audience. There were excellent performances from Miracle Chance as Lucy, Imogen Craig as Alice and Will Jennings as Patrick, each bringing their characters to life perfectly with energy and enthusiasm. The production deals with grief and shines a light on social class and the education system. You don't have to be a University Challenge fan to enjoy this story, ultimately, it’s about love, friendship, and unity. It truly captures the spirit of the 1980s beautifully without ever feeling dated. With witty dialogue and cultural references, the humour lands every time, but there’s a lovely emotional undercurrent too. The writing gives each character their moment to shine, and the pacing keeps everything zipping along with real energy. Starter for Ten is pure joy and has everything you want in a modern musical. The cast are superb,, the choreography dazzling and the songs are sensational - the whole production just radiates positivity. It’s a feel-good show for all generations, an outstanding evening of theatre that lifts the spirits and warms the heart. If you haven’t booked yet, you’d better get fingers on buzzers as it’s set to sell out! Emily Armstrong & Dexter Whitehead 23-10-25 |
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