Theatre / Musical Theatre
Starter for Ten’s Adam Bregman on falling in love with Bristol and reprising the role of Brian
With an ensemble cast featuring the ever-popular Mel Giedroyc, Starter for Ten was an undeniable hit with Bristol Old Vic audiences when it premiered in the spring of 2024.
18 months later, it’s back. Adapted from David Nicholls’ beloved novel and the subsequent 2006 film, Emma Hall and Charlie Parham’s 80s-inspired musical arrives on September 10 and will run for a month before moving to Birmingham Rep.
Joining Giedroyc, who reprises her twin roles as Irene Jackson and Bamber Gascoigne’s sidekick, Julia Bland, Adam Bregman returns as Brian, a young and impressionable University Challenge-obsessed student swapping his home town of Southend for student life in Bristol.
is needed now More than ever
Artwork: Feast Creative
Miracle Chance is also back as Lucy and Will Jennings returns as Patrick. For this revival they are joined by a number of new cast members, including Stephen Ashfield as the inimitable Gascoigne and Brian’s dad Dave, Asha Parker-Wallace as Rebecca, Rachel John as Dr Bowman, Christian Maynard as Spencer and Imogen Craig making her professional debut as Alice.
For Bregman, it’s a thrill to be coming back to the show once more although, as he tells Bristol24/7, he’s expecting the experience to be a little different this time around.
Will Jennings as Patrick and Adam Bregman as Brian in the 2024 production of Starter for Ten, Bristol Old Vic – photo: Marc Jenner
How does it feel to be stepping back into the shoes of a part you’ve played before? Is it like meeting up with an old friend?
“Without getting into the deep and often pretentious rabbit hole of acting ideologies, I think Brian, and any other characters I’ve had the pleasure of playing, are versions of myself that never came to be. We’re constantly evolving, and I’m excited, curious, and a little bit nervous to find out what current Adam brings to current Brian.”
How do you personally relate to Brian and his obsessions?
“Oh, I’ve most definitely had my obsessions. At different points in my life, I could have named every snake, dog, car, or Simpsons episode you could think of. When I was 11, I tried to send a letter to Top Gear to become a presenter and the ironic thing is, I still haven’t got my driving licence.”
What did you most enjoy about the experience of doing Starter for Ten last year?
“Performing at Bristol Old Vic has been a long-time dream. I fell in love with the city, the theatre and the people that fill it. My fellow castmates were some of the best people I’ve ever met.”
Are there areas where you’re taking a different approach this time around particularly where cast members have changed?
“Every interaction on stage is going to be new. It has to be. I think audiences shouldn’t hesitate to come and watch it again. The goalpost has been set, and we’ll be running full speed right past it.”
The cast of Starter for Ten 2025 – artwork: Feast Creative/Bristol Old Vic
How do you think you’d fare in a real-life game of University Challenge?
“Terribly. My life strategy has basically been to learn just enough about each subject to sound like I know what I’m talking about but, if I was ever faced with Bamber Gascoigne the jig would be up.”
If you were to sum up the show in a few words, what would they be?
“Relatable, nostalgic, bloody clever.”
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Starter For Ten is at Bristol Old Vic from September 10-October 11 at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday (no performances Sunday). The show is presented by Antxic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films & Playtone with thanks to Richard Reid, College Bowl and ITV.
Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
Main photo: Bristol Old Vic
Read next:
- How to Win Against History: Seiriol Davies’ ‘disgustingly sparkly and joyful’ juggernaut is being restaged after 10 years
- Fingers on buzzers: Bristol Old Vic prepares for world premiere of Starter for Ten
- Exclusive: Mel Giedroyc joins cast of Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic
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