Theatre / News
EXCLUSIVE: Mel Giedroyc joins cast of Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic
Mel Giedroyc will play the role of Brian’s mum in the world premiere of new musical Starter for Ten at the Bristol Old Vic in 2024.
The musical based on the book by David Nicholls and the subsequent film, tells the story of 18-year-old Brian leaving his home in Southend to start his first year at the University of Bristol.
Giedroyc, an actor, presenter, comedian and writer, said that she is “ecstatic” to be joining the cast of Starter for Ten, which will run at the King Street theatre from February 29 to March 30.
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Giedroyc said: “David Nicholls’ coming of age story is a classic that everybody can identify with.
“I was taken right back to being a gawky suburban teen finding my feet at uni in the 80s. The sights and smells of student life – Impulse body spray, backcombed Robert Smith hairdos, questionable food from a one-ring hob, cheap cigarettes, dance floors sticky with snakebite and black!
“Starter for Ten is especially meaningful to me and I’m ecstatic to be a part of bringing this brand-new musical version – full of heart, comedy and Strongbow – to a brand new audience.”
Giedroyc is best known to many for co-presenting The Great British Bake Off, appearing as a contestant on Taskmaster or going viral as a Polish maid churning butter at this year’s Eurovision.
On stage, she recently starred in The Crown Jewels at the Garrick Theatre in London.
Alongside the previously announced cast members, Giedroyc will be joined by Robert Portal in the role of legendary quizmaster Bamber Gascoigne, Gemma Knight-Jones in the role of ‘Professor Bowman, Luke Johnson takes the role of Des and Natasha O’Brien as Mrs Harbinson.
The cast is completed by Finlay Blackman, William Hall and Rockingham Ooi-Griffiths sharing the role of Young Brian.
A music video for Touched by an Angel, the first track to be released from the new musical, has recently been recorded:
For more information about Starter for Ten and to book tickets, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/starter-for-ten
Main photo: Bristol Old Vic
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