Final casting is set for the world premiere of the new musical Starter for Ten, based on David Nicholls' book and the 2006 film adaptation of the same name.

The musical's world premiere engagement at the U.K.'s Bristol Old Vic will run February 29-March 30, 2024. Set in the 1980s, the coming-of-age story explores love and social class against the backdrop of the legendary British quiz show University Challenge.

The Great British Bakeoff host Mel Giedroyc, previously seen in the London revival of Company, will play Irene Jackson, while other newly announced cast members include Robert Portal as Bamber Gascoigne, Gemma Knight-Jones as Professor Bowman, Luke Johnson as Des, and Natasha O'Brien as Mrs. Harbinson. Finlay Blackman, William Hall, and Rockingham Ooi-Griffiths will share the role of Young Brian. 

They join the previously reported Adam Bregman as Brian, Eubha Akilade as Rebecca, Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Spencer, Miracle Chance as Lucy, Emily Lane as Alice, and Will Jennings as Patrick.

Charlie Parham directs. Get a first listen to "Touched By An Angel" from the score here.

Starter for Ten features a book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Parham, and music and additional lyrics by Tom Rasmussen and Hatty Carman. The production will be choreographed by Shelley Maxwell, with set and costume design by Frankie Bradshaw, sound design by Gregory Clarke, and casting by Will Burton for GBC.

Visit BristolOldVic.org.uk.