The ‘triumphs and disasters’ of a 40-year comedy career

Nigel Planer is writing a memoir about his ‘friendships and rivalries’ over a 40- year comedy career.

The book, entitled Young Once, A Life Less Heavy, will be published by John Murray Press in September, with Planer reading the audiobook version.

The publisher says: ‘Most famous for playing Neil the hippy in The Young Ones, and a founding figure of the 80s alternative comedy scene (the Comic Strip Presents and Bad News), Nigel Planer now wants to take us back through the roles, the friendships and the rivalries, the triumphs and comic disasters (from 20-foot giant éclairs falling from the skies to exploding ovens) that have taken him to where he is now, all wrapped up in the moving and funny story of his on-off-on relationship with his wife Roberta. Packed with so many amazing stories, Young Once is a must-read for anyone with a heart – or a sense of humour.'

 Planer himself said: ‘I’ve been trying not to write this book since 1985, but once I started, it grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let go.’

Published: 14 May 2025