Starter for Ten cast announced for Bristol Old Vic world premiere

As fictional students at Bristol University, the 2006 film Starter for 10 helped to launch the careers of actors including James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall and Dominic Cooper.

The cast has now been announced for the world premiere of a stage show based on David Nicholls’ novel which is coming to the Bristol Old Vic in 2024.

Could any of these actors go on to enjoy such glittering careers as their big screen predecessors? Find out when Starter for Ten opens at the King Street theatre on February 29 as part of Nancy Medina’s inaugural season as artistic director.

The theatrical production is both based on the book and the film adaptation, and is described as “a tale of love, class and growing up in the 1980s” set in Bristol against the backdrop of quiz show University Challenge.

Adam Bregman, currently training at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, plays the Southend-born, Bristol-bound undergraduate, Brian.

Making her stage debut, Eubha Akilade takes the role of Rebecca, who is Brian’s closest friend on campus. CBBC viewers might recognise Eubha from when she played Lily Watson in the CBBC hit series Eve, with more recent roles including in Find Me In Paris, The Diplomat and Shetland.

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje plays Brian’s childhood best friend Spencer. His musical credentials include playing Simba in the UK and Ireland tour of The Lion King.

The Challenge team also features Miracle Chance, currently in rehearsal for the National Theatre production of The Witches, in the role of Lucy.

The role of Alice, student am-dram celebrity and Brian’s unrequited crush, is played by Emily Lane, who most recently played Anna in the West End production of Frozen.

Will Jennings plays Patrick, the Bristol quiz team captain and Brian’s biggest critic. Will’s West End theatre credits include Les Miserables and Avenue Q, alongside the UK tour of Shrek the Musical.

James McAvoy on Royal York Crescent in Clifton in a scene from the 2006 film Starter for 10 – photo: BBC Films

Starter for Ten co-writers Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, artistic directors of Antic Productions, said: “It is so exciting to be working with a new generation of extremely talented young actors.

“In exactly the same way that the film Starter for 10 was instrumental in launching the careers of so many young British stars… we have seized this opportunity to champion and showcase the stars of tomorrow.”

Nicholls added: “Twenty years after publication, it’s such a thrill that Brian’s misadventures are being brought to the stage, and by such a brilliant, dynamic team.”

That team includes pop-punk composers Tom Rasmussen (who has Rina Sawayama and Self Esteem) and Hatty Carman, director Charlie Parham, choreography by Shelley Maxwell, with set and costume design by Olivier Award-nominee Frankie Bradshaw, sound design by Gregory Clarke, and casting by Will Burton.

Starter for Ten is at Bristol Old Vic from February 29 to March 30 2024. For tickets and more information, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/starter-for-ten

Main photo:

Read next:

• Nancy Medina announces first season at Bristol Old Vic as artistic director
• Bristol beaten by Durham in University Challenge final
• Big screen premiere for film inspired by 1980s Hartcliffe

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: