‎Fingers on Buzzers! ‎Starter For Ten heading to The Rep

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

Following on from their record-breaking run at Bristol Old Vic last year, we are delighted to announce that we will be welcoming the critically acclaimed new musical Starter for Ten from Wed 22 Oct – Sat 1 Nov 2025.

Based on the hilarious coming-of-age novel by David Nicholls (One Day, Us, Sweet Sorrow) 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.

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 uni, Brian soon discovers that falling in love and growing up take a lot more than general knowledge…

In this adaptation, Starter for Ten is transformed into a comedy musical about love, belonging and the all important difference between knowledge and wisdom. Starter for Ten features a stunning original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the ‘80s and stars acclaimed actress, presenter, comedian and writer Mel Giedroyc to reprise the role of Brian’s mum, Irene Jackson and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick Julia Bland. The production was nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards 2024.

A scene from the musical — Photo by Marc Brenner

Mel Giedroyc adds:

Buzzers at the ready— I’m beyond thrilled to be reunited with Starter for Ten! Our first run in Bristol was glorious—the audiences, the energy, the sheer joy —and to be returning to Bristol Old Vic feels like coming home (again). And then, to be taking it to Birmingham as well? Let’s crack open the Babycham IMMEDIATELY PLEASE!

“We’re bringing back the nail-biting competition, the romance, the wild 80s-inspired original soundtrack that will have you throwing on a legwarmer, back-combing your hair till it’s as big as Thatcher’s and dancing like nobody’s watching. I am genuinely so proud of our show and cannot wait for even more people to see it!”

Ticket sales for Gold & Silver Rep Friends & Access Register opens on 12pm, Thu 13 Mar.

Ticket sales for Bronze Rep Friends opens from 12pm, Sat 15 Mar

General on sales is from 12pm, Mon 17 Mar.

Book your tickets