Nigel Planer

Current Role

Nigel Planer is currently starring in hit West End musical, Wicked. Planer takes on the role of the Wizard in this spellbinding tale of the witches of Oz. Wicked is currently showing at The Apollo Victoria Theatre, London.

Early Life

Nigel Planer was born in Fulham in 1953. He attended university in Sussex but did not enjoy the experience. After University Nigel attended drama school where he performed in plays directed by fellow student Stephen Poliakoff. At drama school Nigel was reunited with friend, Pete Richens and the pair began writing a comedy duo. Nigel and Pete performed regularly at the famous comedy store in Soho as double act 'The Outer Limits.' Nigel and Pete had worked on their comedy act for year and developed it to include musical comedy and a variety of characters.

Career Highlights

While performing at The Comedy Store, Nigel was talent spotted by a BBC producer and was selected to appear in the BBC comedy show 'Boom Boom...Out Go The Lights.' This television show is regarded by many as the first television showcase for this generation of alternative comedians. Nigel Planer's debut TV appearance led to a role in the popular comedy series, 'The Young Ones' alongside Rik Mayall. Nigel also acted in the 1980s mainstream comedy series 'Shine On Harvey Moon.'

Throughout the 1980s, Nigel Planer appeared in an assortment of comedy shows. In 1990 Nigel took on the role of 'Nicholas Craig' for the BBC series 'Nicholas Craig...The Naked Actor.' This production was a theatrical satire and was followed by 'Simon Gray's Unnatural Pursuits,' another show in this genre. Nigel Planer was also involved in The Magic Roundabout, giving voice to the characters and writing scripts for the animation.

In recent years, Nigel Planer has indulged his love of the theatre with a number of musical roles. He has appeared in Puccini's La Boheme and Ben Elton's We Will Rock You. In 2005, Nigel staged his first play 'On The Ceiling' in London. This latest role as the Wizard in Wicked adds to the diverse portfolio of this talented actor.

Interesting Facts

• Nigel's version of "Hole In My Shoe" (as Neil from The Young Ones) reached number 5 in 1984
• Nigel wrote the book "A Good Enough Dad" about his experience of becoming a father
• Nigel Planner used to live on a large houseboat on the River Thames