Nottingham Trent University, in partnership with NTU Arts, presents an exclusive evening with iconic actor, poet, and writer Nigel Planer in his live showcase titled 'Young Once'. Scheduled for 25 September 2026 at Metronome in Nottingham, this unique event offers audiences an intimate journey through classic British comedy, performance poetry, and storytelling. Best known for playing Neil in the BBC comedy series 'The Young Ones', Nigel Planer has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning over four decades across stage, television, radio, and literature. This evening marks a major highlight in the NTU Arts autumn calendar, celebrating the legacy of 1980s alternative comedy and its impact on contemporary British culture. Attendees will experience a rich tapestry of reflective spoken word performance, nostalgic reminiscences, and sharp comedic insights directly from one of the founding figures of modern British comedy.
Featured Performances and Spoken Word Insights
Throughout the performance, Nigel Planer will present a selection of original poetry, dramatic readings, and personal anecdotes that span his creative journey. From his early days with the Comic Strip team to starring roles in West End musicals such as 'Wicked', 'Chicago', and 'We Will Rock You', Planer brings a wealth of artistic experience to the Metronome stage. The programme showcases his unique literary voice, blending satirical humor with poignant observations on life, art, and performance. In addition to readings from his published poetry collections and novels, Planer will share behind-the-scenes stories about working alongside legendary figures of British entertainment, offering rare glimpses into the creative processes behind iconic television productions. This segment provides a rare opportunity for fans and literary enthusiasts to appreciate Planer’s writing beyond his screen personae.
Interactive Audience Q&A and Cultural Context
Following the performance set, the event transitions into an interactive question-and-answer session led by the artist. This extended Q&A segment allows audience members to interact directly with Nigel Planer, exploring themes ranging from the evolution of British sitcoms to the craft of comedy writing and voice acting. Planer will address questions about the cultural shift of the 1980s alternative comedy wave, discussing how revolutionary programming challenged traditional broadcast norms and paved the way for modern satire. The conversation will also delve into his work as a narrator for children's television, his voice acting in video games, and his contributions to musical theater. This interactive format creates an inclusive atmosphere where aspiring writers, comedy fans, and students can gain valuable artistic insights directly from a master storyteller.
Metronome Venue and NTU Arts Cultural Impact
The venue for this event is Metronome, Nottingham’s premier performance center located on Huntingdon Street in the heart of the city's creative quarter. Operated as a core component of NTU Arts—the public and extra-curricular cultural initiative of Nottingham Trent University—Metronome offers world-class acoustic engineering, state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, and comfortable seating designed to deliver an optimal audience experience. NTU Arts plays a pivotal role in enriching the cultural life of Nottingham Trent University students, staff, and the local East Midlands community by hosting international musical acts, comedy shows, film screenings, and literary discussions. By hosting high-profile cultural icons like Nigel Planer, NTU Arts continues to reinforce Nottingham’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Literature and a thriving hub for creative industries.
Ticketing Details and Admission Guidance
Tickets for 'Nigel Planer: Young Once' are available for public purchase at £18.50 plus standard booking fees through the official Metronome box office website and Nottingham Trent University event portal. Advance booking is strongly recommended due to high demand and limited auditorium seating capacity. Doors open at 18:30 BST, with the main performance commencing promptly at 19:00 BST. The venue provides full accessibility accommodations, including wheelchair seating, accessible facilities, and hearing loop assistance upon request. Metronome is conveniently situated within walking distance of Nottingham Railway Station and major local tram stops, with public parking facilities nearby. Attendees are advised to secure their tickets early to experience this memorable evening of comedy, literature, and culture presented by Nottingham Trent University.
Key Event Highlights
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Live performance featuring poetry readings, literary excerpts, and personal anecdotes by Nigel Planer.
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Interactive Q&A session exploring classic British comedy, screenwriting, and performance history.
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Hosted at Metronome, NTU's state-of-the-art live music and performance center in Nottingham.
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Curated as part of the flagship public event season presented by NTU Arts.
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An intimate audience opportunity celebrating over four decades of creative work across TV, stage, and print.
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