Nigel Planer - Young Once - Beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones

Nigel Planer brings with him not just a show, but an extraordinary journey through one of the most revolutionary periods in British entertainment. A founding architect of the alternative comedy movement, Planer's career stretches from the raw, rule-breaking stages of London's underground scene in the late 1970s to television, theatre, music, and beyond — a body of work that helped reshape the very language of comedy.

Nigel's story begins at the grassroots epicentre of it all — The Comedy Store — where a new generation of performers tore down the conventions of traditional stand-up and replaced them with something anarchic, political, surreal, and utterly fearless. Alongside contemporaries who would become household names, Planer quickly established himself as a distinctive voice — sharp, unpredictable, and gloriously offbeat. Critics would later hail this era as "a revolution in British comedy", with Planer right at its beating heart.

It was this explosive creative energy that led to the formation of The Comic Strip Presents, a groundbreaking series that gave alternative comedians a national platform. Widely praised for its originality, the show was described by critics as "wildly inventive and gloriously subversive television", and it cemented Planer's reputation as a fearless performer willing to push boundaries. From there came further success with Filthy Rich & Catflap and a string of iconic appearances that blurred the lines between satire, absurdity, and cultural commentary.

Of course, it was through The Young Ones that Nigel Planer became a true cult figure. His portrayal of Neil — the perpetually melancholic, lentil-loving hippy — remains one of the most beloved characters in British television history. The series itself has been repeatedly celebrated as "one of the most influential sitcoms ever made", with its chaotic, punk-infused energy capturing the spirit of a generation. Planer's performance, both hilarious and oddly poignant, became a defining element of its success.

Beyond television, Nigel's career continued to evolve in remarkable ways. He achieved chart success with the novelty hit "Hole in My Shoe," bringing his comedic persona into the world of pop, and went on to carve out an impressive stage career in the West End, earning acclaim for roles in major productions such as Hairspray, We Will Rock You, and Chicago. Reviewers have consistently noted his versatility, with one critic observing that "Planer brings both comic brilliance and surprising depth to every performance" — a rare combination that has allowed him to move seamlessly between comedy, theatre, and music.

This live show draws together that entire journey into an intimate, richly layered experience. In the first half, Nigel reads from his memoir Young Once, delivering a stream of brilliantly observed anecdotes, poetic reflections, and musical interludes. These stories chart his rise from the underground clubs of London to international stages, filled with unforgettable moments — from surreal on-set chaos and larger-than-life personalities, to encounters with figures such as Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. Critics have described the book itself as "funny, candid and unexpectedly moving", and in live form it becomes even more immediate and engaging.

Yet this is not simply a celebration of success. Running through the performance is a deeply human thread — reflections on friendship, rivalry, fame, and the emotional cost of a life lived in the spotlight. At its core lies the touching, often mischievous story of Nigel's relationship with his wife Roberta — a narrative that grounds the show in warmth and authenticity, balancing the wild excesses of the comedy world with something far more personal.

The second half of the evening opens into an illuminating Q&A session, offering audiences a rare chance to step even further behind the curtain. Here, Nigel shares candid insights into the making of The Young Ones, The Comic Strip Presents, and the wider alternative comedy movement — the personalities, the tensions, the creative sparks, and the cultural impact. It is, in many ways, a living archive of a transformative era, delivered by someone who didn't just witness it, but helped create it.

Full of dry wit, theatrical presence, and a beautifully self-aware sense of storytelling, this is a show that critics and audiences alike have praised as "engaging, nostalgic and deeply entertaining". In the uniquely intimate surroundings of Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, it becomes something even more powerful — a shared experience where every laugh lands louder, every story feels closer, and every moment resonates.

This is more than an evening with a comedy legend.
It is a rare, unfiltered journey through the rise of modern British comedy — told by one of the voices who defined it.