Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s alternative comedy scene, brings his memoir Young Once to life in a warm, sharply funny live show of storytelling.
From the wild early days at The Comedy Store to the chaotic brilliance of The Comic Strip Presents, Filthy Rich and Catflap, and beyond – to West End musicals and hit pop records – Nigel will share a trove of outrageous tales of the backstage chaos that shaped a generation of comedy: from twenty-foot-éclair-related injuries to gatecrashing raves with Robin Williams, Top of the Pops and Band Aid, to auditioning for a stony-faced Robert De Niro.
Alongside the laughs, he will reflect on the bittersweet moments behind the scenes – the friendships, fame and rivalries, and the winding path of a creative life.
Woven throughout the show is a moving, often mischievous account of the long, on-off-on-again love story between Nigel and his wife Roberta, and a life lived somewhere between the footlights and the fallout.
Full of dry wit, theatrical flair, and a knack for finding humour in both disaster and triumph, don’t miss the once-young Nigel as he offers a wildly entertaining and gloriously sideways glimpse into his quietly remarkable career, in a show that is part performance, part confession, and all heart.
Related events
BMAA Annual General Meeting 2025
The Annual General Meeting of Bury Metropolitan Arts Association (BMAA), the charity which operates The Met.
- Wed 18 Feb 7:00 PM
Kendal Mountain Tour 2026
Experience an evening of adventure and human connection at The Met as the Kendal Mountain Tour brings a curated selection of award-winning short films and inspiring talks from adventurers.
The Met 50: Signed Heritage Tour
A FREE BSL signed tour of The Met. Visit backstage areas normally closed to the public, and learn about the history of this fascinating building.