4 – 30 March
Author David Nicholls was recently interviewed by Bristol Life magazine in which he declared that he found himself in a state of bliss, so successful had recent collaborations been. Last night, following a barnstorming musical adaptation of his first novel at the Old Vic he was to be seen beaming in the foyer. Asked how he felt it had gone, “very happy!” was the reply. The bliss goes on.
Nicholls seems to be blessed with the Midas touch just now. His Netflix series One Day is what everyone is talking about, and his sixth book, You Are Here will be published next month to a hungry readership wanting more.
With his first big hit novel pitching up as a staged musical, you might think he would be seeking total control, but no. Unusually for a creative, he has stepped back to allow the team at Antic Productions to take direction of the story. Working with composers/lyricists Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen and a storming 5-piece band, Antic have gifted the Old Vic a hit show that perhaps not many might have been anticipating. Starter for Ten will undoubtedly be touring after this run and will convert all who see it into avid fans. Antic and a scintillating cast headed up by the fabulous Mel Giedroyc at the height of her dramatic and comedic powers is a must-see.
On the face of it, this might have been a bland affair. A teenager, Brian Jackson, leaves his home in Southend, starts uni in a far-off town (Bristol); has a dream about joining the uni University Challenge team, ‘cos that’s what he used to watch on telly with his dad when he was a kid; meets unsuitable girl he fancies; meets other girl who he likes but underestimates. Gets on the team.
But led by the very talented Adam Bregman (note: star in the making) as the sensitive, first-time-away-from-home Brian, and driven by a pulsing nostalgic eighties soundscape, the finale, when it came, was met with a standing ovation. Superlatives all round: Emily Lane as the glammed-up Alice tore the roof off with her stunning soprano, while the audience could have listened all night to the wonderfully rich tones of Gemma Knight Jones as the wise uni lecturer Professor Bowman. Will Jennings gave a delightfully witty performance as uni challenge team leader Patrick, while Eubha Akilade convinced as the more politically-minded Rebecca. Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Spencer was the perfect warm-hearted rougher-edged Southend buddy to Brian, and Miracle Chance as ex-Princeton medical geek Lucy crackled with energy throughout.
Like two brightly burning candles on a delicious cake, Robert Portal’s depiction of Bamber Gascoigne was sharp as a pin, while Mel Giedroyc’s heartfelt portrayal of Brian’s mum Irene and later, hilariously, bringing the house down as Julia Bland, the game show company boss, was platinum standard. Can she please come back to Bristol again soon!
From the off, this production lifts you up with its energy and pace, its careful observations of young lives finding their way. Fun and pathos intertwined, there is never a dull moment thanks to the verve in Charlie Parker’s direction. Frankie Bradshaw’s mobile set switches seamlessly from living room to lecture room to studio set, while there is good balance to the sound by Greg Clarke. And heads up to Kate Waters for two particularly convincing on-stage fight sequences. Hurry and buy your tickets, once word gets around, they’ll be gone in a flash!
★★★★★ Simon Bishop, 8 March 2024
Photo credit: Mark Brenner
