Starter for Ten tells the tale of Brian from a working-class family in Southend-on-Sea who, after achieving the best ‘A’ level grades ever at his secondary school, gets a place at Bristol University. Once there, the difference between his background and those of many fellow students becomes apparent.

Since childhood, when he and his father would watch University Challenge together, he has wanted to make the team. The question is, how does he do this, and who are his real team mates along the way? Alongside this, there are other questions. What is the purpose of university? Is it about social climbing? Or maybe about trying to change the world? And where does education sit within all of this?

The production has its tongue clearly in its cheek as it plays to the clichés of student life in the 1980s. Endless clubs and societies are pushed by those with privilege in Freshers’ Week whilst, elsewhere, a cardboard banner held high by protesting students reads Everything is Wrong. Fashions of the decade comment on the superficiality of the times, as students shift en masse from glitter and glam outfits of a heaven and hell party to vibrantly coloured aerobics gear.

All of the leads are strong, both vocally and physically, presenting characters with emotional depth as they learn to deal with the complexities of life in their transition from teenage years into independence and adulthood.

Adam Bregman as Brian is full of youthful energy and an even more youthful naivety, helped by his charismatic grin. Imogen Craig as Alice presents just the right blend of privilege and would-be seductress without straying too far from inexperienced innocence.

Miracle Chance is a wonderfully geeky Lucy who comes into her own as she takes over the role of quiz team motivator. Will Jennings as Patrick, a PhD student, is rigidly pedantic to a tee. Asha Parker-Wallace gives the necessary contrast to all of the quizzing antics in her feisty, no-nonsense delivery of the Glaswegian Rebecca.

Alongside these, Stephen Ashfield’s portrayal of quiz host Bamber Gascoigne is spot-on in its slickness whilst Mel Giedroyc knowingly plays an over-the-top Granada TV producer.

In a musical delivered with such confidence, picking out the best songs is a challenge but perhaps the standouts are Fresh Meat, Time to Quizz and Heroes. Lyrics are clear throughout and the behind-the-scenes musicians received a fitting tribute at the end.

Set and props are as smooth as the performances. Scene changes are as quick as lightning, as furniture slides in and out to mark the shift between the living room at Brian’s Southend home and his university bedroom, futon on floor – although maybe it’s just a mattress. Quiz desks with illuminated name panels, one on top of the other, allow the Cambridge team to lord it over Bristol, reinforcing the role of class and the pecking order of these institutions.

David Nicholls’ writing shines in this stage adaptation, and the production shows that, sometimes, humour is the best tool in the box.

Starter for Ten was directed by Charlie Parham. Book and lyrics were by Emma Hall and Charlie Parham. The original score and lyrics were by Hatty Carman and Tom Rasmussen. Set and costume design was by Lee Newby.

It was presented by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films & Playtone andruns at the Rep until 1st November. For further information vist birmingham-rep.co.uk.