Starter for Ten is a British stage musical based on the 2003 novel of the same name by David Nicholls, and its 2006 film adaptation. It has music and lyrics by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen, and book and lyrics by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham.
Production history World premiere: Bristol (2024) The musical had its world premiere at the Bristol Old Vic beginning previews on 29 February 2024 (with a press night on 7 March) for a limited run until 30 March. The production is directed by Charlie Parham, choreographed by Shelley Maxwell, designed by Frankie Bradshaw, sound design by Gregory Clarke with Will Burton as casting director and Nick Barstow as music supervisor.
Bristol revival and Birmingham (2025) The musical was restaged at the Bristol Old Vic from 10 September to 11 October 2025, before transferring to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre from 22 October to 1 November 2025. Mel Giedroyc reprised her role as Irene / Julia Bland. Full casting was announced on 3 June 2025.
Cast and characters + Character BristolBristol / Birmingham 2025 RebeccaEubha AkiladeAsha Parker Wallace SpencerStephenson Ardern-SodjeChristian Maynard Brian JacksonAdam Bregman LucyMiracle Chance Irene / Julia BlandMel Giedroyc PatrickWill Jennings DesLuke Johnson Professor Bowman Gemma Knight-JonesRachel John AliceEmily LaneImogen Craig Mrs HarbinsonNatasha O’BrienMichelle Bishop Bamber GascoigneRobert PortalStephen Ashfield Young BrianFinlay BlackmanWilliam HallRockingham Ooi-GriffithsRobert BambridgeMiles MartinRaphael Rees
Song List As per the 2025 production at the Bristol Old Vic
Act 1 Starter for Ten – Bamber and Company Growing Pains – Brian Fresh Meat – Full Company Touched by an Angel– Brian and Company Time to Quiz – Patrick, Lucy, Brian, Alice and Colin Lucy’s Turn – Lucy Buckle Up – Full Company For the Story – Alice The Christmas Special – Bamber and Company Heroes – Rebecca, Brian and Company
Act 2 Weightless – Full Company Time to Shine – Julia Bland, Patrick, Lucy, Alice and Brian Heroes (reprise) – Rebecca and Dr Bowman Whiplash – Full Company Everything Grows – Irene and Brian The Final Round – Full Company Falling With You – Full Company
References