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BrumHour saw Starter for Ten at the invite of Birmingham Rep.
By Dave Massey
This production contains strong language.
Starter for Ten at Birmingham Rep: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐A fun-filled comedy musical!
Directed by Charlie Parham, book/lyrics by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, original score and lyrics by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen
Set mainly in the mid 1980s, Brian (Adam Bregman) has ignored the rise of Blockbusters on ITV and is clinging onto his dream of being on Universty Challenge. His mother (Mel Giedroyc) is fairly knarked that he has barely been home after arriving at Bristol University, and he has soon found himself in the throws of freshers year. And then he meets them.. the others who want to be on University Challenge too!
This is a story about being working class in a middle-class setting, trying to impress the posho parents of other wealthy students, and discovering a chance of academic fame.
Adam Bregman is excellent as Brian, our main character, flawed and single focused until university ladies distract him. Asha Parker Wallace makes a great impression as Rebecca, his close uni friend, and her vocals are fantastic. Imogen Craig makes a great love interest for Brian as Alice, channeling Madonna in the ’80s into her image. Stephen Ashfield has the audience on his side every second of his stage time, but the obvious scene stealer is Mel Giedroyc, who draws humour from the smallest movements and expressions.
The mainly static set features a 1980s tone checkerboard with hints of cream, brown, and green. The double tier of the University Challenge stage is featured sparsely but effectively throughout. There are original songs also inspired by the 1980s and this really adds a feeling of warmth to the characters in the same way as the costume choices.
These characters are rounded, fun, and bold; the clash of them being in a musical vs a straight -up comedy drama works hugely in their favour compared to other musicals.
A fun-filled comedy musical, Stater for Ten is at Birmingham Rep until 1st November 2025. Book tickets here: birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/starter-for-ten.
