Review: Starter For Ten at The Rep, Birmingham

★★★★★

Based on the novel by David Nicholls and the film of the same name, Starter for Ten is a new coming-of-age comedy musical set in the colourfully bright 80s. It's 1985, and eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson (Adam Bregman) is leaving Southend to start his first year at uni where he experiences the ups and downs of adult life as he grapples with finding his feet, first crushes, and the battle between heart and head that threatens to destroy his life-long dream of competing on the legendary TV quiz show, University Challenge.

Featuring an original score and lyrics by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen, inspired by the music and sounds of the decade, Starter For Ten is brilliantly joyful and upbeat. It’s endlessly catchy tunes which are laced with witty quips, that perfectly capture the dry British humour, are accompanied by lively choreography (Alexzandra Sarmiento) that reflects dance styles of the decade too. The musical mixtape is an absolute triumph, with a balance of energetic 80s-style synth and emotive ballads, all infused with inspiration from some of the greatest artists of the time including; Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Wham, Olivia Newton-John and more. The vocals too, do the score absolute justice, in particular, Asha Parker-Wallace as Rebecca whose soaring vocals alongside her radical socialist characterisation are truly captivating.

Rebecca is among the colourful cast of students that Brian meets at university; each playing on stereotypes of the different people you’re likely to meet in higher education. Will Brian get to compete on University Challenge alongside fellow students Lucy (Miracle Chance), Patrick (Will Jennings), Spencer (Christian Maynard), and Alice (Imogen Craig), or will he be blinded by lust? Brian needs to discover what is really important to him and who he’s going to be in this world.

Set to the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, the production explores politics and protest, delving into topics including unemployment, war, and climate that are sadly still just as relevant today as they were in the 80s. Starter for Ten also makes a poignant commentary on class, privilege and background, and the impact they have on our choices and futures.

As well as the students, a regular character in the story is Bamber Gascoigne (Stephen Ashfield) who acts not only as the University Challenge quiz host but also appears as Brian’s conscience and guide in fantastically playful and laughable moments. While Ashfield is predominately a background character throughout much of the first act, his oozing charisma still brilliantly draws attention with seemingly effortless camp comedy. Mel Giedroyc too reprising her roles as both Irene Jackson and Julia Bland (Bamber Gascoigne’s sidekick) brings moments of gentle compassion as well as an extra hit of feel-good fun with a sublimely silly flair.

The University Challenge itself almost becomes a character in this production too with the well-designed set (Lee Newby) allowing elements to be woven throughout other scenes including Christmas dinner quizzes.

Featuring a book and lyrics by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, Starter For Ten is a tale of friendship, family, grief and dreams filled with emotion, youthful energy and laugh-out-loud humour. As fresh and fun as Fresher’s week, this musical is utterly charming.

Starter For Ten runs at The Rep Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 1st November. So, fingers on buzzers and snap up those tickets quick!

This review was written following a press invite to the production.