Nigel Planer set to take the stage at The Apex later this month

Nigel Planer (pictured above) beloved as Neil the hippy from “The Young Ones” and a founding figure of the alternative comedy scene, is bringing his memoir “Young Once” to The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, for a warm, funny show.

Both a biography and a love story, “Young Once” follows his journey, from bell-ringer to grave digger, from university dropout to long-term patient of the Hospital for Tropical Diseases and the many other bizarre events that shape him – including the day he meets Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson and Alexei Sayle, and the 1980s Comedy Revolution is born.

Thanks to Neil, the hippy character he created, in 1986, Nigel was so well-known that he often left the house via the kitchen window.

It’s lucky that he has a talent for seeing the funny side of things: whether it’s dealing with 20ft-éclair-related injuries or being cajoled into Band Aid by Bob Geldof; gatecrashing a rave with Robin Williams or crashing into the set on Top of the Pops; or being rescued from disaster by musical theatre.

Against a backdrop of squats, Glastonbury and roller discos, with a supporting cast that includes Lemmy, a stony-faced Robert de Niro and French and Saunders, “Young Once” is a wildly entertaining and gloriously sideways glimpse into a remarkable life and career.

Alongside the laughs, he will reflect on the bitter sweet moments behind the scenes – the friendships, fame and rivalries – and the moving and funny story of his on-off relationship with his wife Roberta.

It’s also a lesson in why you should never give up looking for your “Happy Ever After”. It might well turn out to be right in front of you.

Nigel Planer is at The Apex, on Wednesday, September 24, at 7.30pm.

Seewww.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more details and to book tickets.