Starter For Ten (touring) ★★★★

“Fingers on buzzers” … “I’m going to have to hurry you” … just two of the catchphrases associated with the television quiz show University Challenge, first broadcast in 1962 and still a fixture in TV schedules to this day. The programme, pitting teams of university students against each other, inspired the 2003 novel and 2006 movie Starter for Ten. The story has now been brought to the stage by Antic Productions, in a new musical featuring original songs influenced by the 1980s era in which the show is set.

Brian Jackson (Adam Bregman) has a passion for knowledge from a young age and loves to watch University Challenge with his father. When a heart attack claims his father’s life, his mother, Irene (Mel Giedroyc), is determined to support him in his dream of going to university and appearing on his beloved programme. While on campus he meets passionate campaigner Rebecca (Asha Parker-Wallace) and socialite Alice (Imogen Craig), who each capture his attention, although in different ways. Will he be able to tackle the course of true love as easily as questions about romantic literature?

Starter for Ten features several standout performances – Mel Giedroyc switches with ease between the role of Irene (covering comedy, pathos, and powerful melodrama) and TV executive Julia Bland (a beautifully judged comic turn). That the character of Julia has relatively little stage time but makes a big impression is testament to Mel’s timing and gift for characterisation. Stephen Ashfield (Bamber Gascoigne) exudes style and panache as the host of University Challenge who becomes like a father figure in Brian’s mind, guiding and encouraging him. Will Jennings portrays the ultra-serious quiz team captain Patrick with a finely observed line in quirky mannerisms and general awkwardness. But it is Asha Parker-Wallace (Rebecca) who truly shines – a powerhouse voice to rival Beverley Knight and a multi-layered performance that shows the vulnerability under the tough exterior of her character.

The 80s brought a boldness to fashion and music, and this is reflected in the show’s costumes, set designs and songs. The all-new score has been written by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen, taking inspiration from the post-punk movement. This reflects the attitude and divisions but also the confidence of the time. The tunes are catchy and performed with great enthusiasm by the cast and live band. The overall tone of the musical is celebratory, affirming and wonderfully joyous. There are laugh-out-loud moments as well as emotionally powerful scenes, and, although the show is a little uneven in places, there is no denying that it lifts the spirits. If you’re looking for an entertaining musical that will make you laugh and think, Starter For Ten just might be the answer.