Nigel Planer: 'Young Once' (published in paperback June 2026)

Event information

Nigel Planer, beloved as national treasure - 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 & 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 20-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.
Nigel won a BRIT award in 1984 and has been nominated for Olivier, TMA, What’s on Stage, and BAFTA awards. He is also the voice of the first 15 of Terry Pratchett’s ‘Discworld’ books.
He created the actor character ‘Nicholas Craig’, who has featured in TV and radio series and the best-selling spoof autobiography, ‘I, An Actor’.

Do come early to see Jo Caulfield at 6pm ('The Funny Thing About Death') and stay on to celebrate the end of the festival with Bude musicians in 'The Next Waltz' at 10pm (separate tickets needed)

High quality food/bar/accommodation available at The Falcon Hotel.
Bring cash for a raffle to support Bude Literary Festival and 'Read For Good' (A charity that provides storytellers for children in UK hospitals.