Starter for Ten, the musical adaptation of David Nicholls’s novel, has returned to the Bristol Old Vic in a refreshed and more confident staging. With book and lyrics by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, and music and lyrics by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen, the production has grown since its initial run. There is a sense of greater ambition here, supported by a more substantial set and a sharper overall presentation, suggesting it may be looking towards life beyond Bristol.

Adam Bregman gives an excellent performance as Brian Jackson. He captures the awkwardness, ambition, and vulnerability of a young man determined to prove himself while never losing sight of the character’s warmth. His portrayal grounds the show and gives it focus.

The supporting cast also make a strong impression. Will Jennings brings charisma and authority to Patrick, the leader of the rival quiz team, and the company as a whole lifts the material, particularly in the second act. Here, the music becomes more assured, the ensemble numbers land with greater confidence, and the show finds a stronger rhythm than in the first half.

The show remains lighter on narrative depth than it might be. Themes of class and belonging are present but feel underdeveloped, appearing more as passing observations than as ideas that truly shape the story. The first act in particular is uneven, its pacing hesitant, with some scenes failing to connect until the second half when the score and staging gain momentum.

Starter for Ten is an energetic and enjoyable production that thrives on nostalgia, comedy, and music rather than dramatic weight. It entertains, it charms, and it delivers several memorable performances, even if its broader purpose is harder to pin down. For audiences in search of a lively and stylish evening, it more than satisfies, and it is easy to imagine this production moving confidently on to a wider stage.

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