The author writes engagingly and is witty, which is just as well, because I don’t find the doings of 20-somethings in 1980s and 1990s London (mainly) that thrilling – having “been there, done that, got the T-shirt”. The book covers their “will they, won’t they?” relationship over the next 20 years by focusing on each anniversary of that day to provide a snapshot of their lives over this time. The plot is an old chestnut: two Edinburgh undergraduates, one rich (Dexter) and one poor (Emma), don’t quite get it together on their final day before leaving university but recognise that they have a connection. The show is part of Nancy Medina’s inaugural season as artistic director and casting for the musical is to be announced.I am not the target demographic of this piece of light fiction by most counts, but even so it passes the time amiably enough. “We cannot wait to bring this electrifying mix of general knowledge and anthemic, 80s-inspired music to audiences.” “To be presenting the world premiere of a Bristol-based story at the Bristol Old Vic is sincerely a dream come true. Hall and Parham, artistic directors of Antic Productions, said: “Ever since we first read David Nicholls’ brilliant novel, which brims with music on every page, we just knew it had to be a stage musical. It will have a book and lyrics co-written by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham, who also serves as director, with set and costume design by Olivier award nominee Frankie Bradshaw, lighting design by Jai Morjaria and casting by Will Burton. “As musicians, it’s exhilarating to bring our love of the DIY music scene that raised us to a theatre like Bristol Old Vic.” The premiere will be directed by Charlie Parham (Emily Forbes/PA) Rasmussen and Carman said: “We have absolutely adored bringing David Nicholls’ totally flawed, completely loveable characters to the stage.

The 80s-inspired original score and lyrics will be composed by Tom Rasmussen, who recently supported Self Esteem on tour, and Hatty Carman. Nicholls said: “Nearly 20 years after publication, it’s such a thrill that Brian’s misadventures are being brought to the stage, and by such a brilliant, dynamic team.” Starter For Ten composers Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen (Tess Mickleburgh/PA) It is a story of love, class and growing up in the 1980s, set in Bristol against the backdrop of TV quiz show University Challenge. The new musical Starter For Ten, based on David Nicholls’ novel, will run at Bristol Old Vic in spring next year, it has been announced.īased on the coming-of-age novel and 2006 film adaption starring James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Corden and Rebecca Hall, the musical will have its world premiere from February 29 to March 30.

David nicholls next book