Update

OCTOBER 2024 UPDATE

Next up is the Halloween show at the Aces and Eights in Tufnell Park on Saturday 2^nd November. I’ll be singing some suitable songs including some vampire lyrics of my own. Steve Somerset has reformed the Blues Ghosts for the occasion, so there will be a sharp band also playing music for Halloween. And there’s a DJ. The event lasts until 1am. HALLOWEEN VAMPIRE CABARET! - Aces and Eights Saloon Bar

On 17^th and 18^th November I’ll be doing two performances of ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ at the Bridge House Theatre, Penge. Too Young To Stay In, Too Old To Go Out – The Bridge House Theatre

JULY 2024 UPDATE

Do see below for the links to the July and August shows. Here are the links for the September shows:

13^th September: 'Too young to stay in, too old to go out!' The Astor Theatre, Deal The Astor Theatre - Too Young to Stay In Too Old to Go Out - Tickets (tix.uk)

18^th September: 'Too young to stay in, too old to go out!' The Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, Cornwall Performances - Nigel Osner 'Too young to stay in, too old to go out!' - Cornish Riviera Box Office (patronbase.com)

19^th September: 'Still ticking!' The Acorn Theatre, Penzance Still ticking! - The Acorn Theatre, Penzance, Cornwall (theacornpenzance.com)

I'll give you the link for the Halloween show and for two performances at the Bridge House Theatre, Penge, in the next update.

MAY 2024 UPDATE

Three different shows to perform over the next few months.

First is ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out' at the Bedford Fringe at 6.30pm on 24^th July. Here’s the link: Too Young to Stay in, Too Old to Go Out! (ticketsolve.com)

On 10^th and 11^th August I’m doing ‘Still ticking!’ in the cabaret room of the King’s Head Islington. Here’s the link for that: Still Ticking | What's On | King's Head Theatre (kingsheadtheatre.com)

In September I’ve got performances in St Ives, Penzance and Deal. On 2^nd November there’s a special Halloween show, followed by a DJ, at the Aces and Eights in Tufnell Park, full of vampires, a cannibal and other quirky creatures. Steve Somerset will be on guitar and Anya Hamilton on drums. More info on all these events in later updates.

MARCH 2024 UPDATE

As I mentioned last time, the next performance is a version of ‘Still ticking!’ on 7^th April. It will be at 6pm in Electrowerkz, following the Satanic Flea Market. That should explain why I said it would be a special version as I’m not sure all of it will work at that time in that venue. Steve Somerset, who has composed and/or arranged some of the music, will be there. He’ll join me on guitar for some songs and is developing a wicked accompaniment for my monologue by Death! After us, there will be three bands. For more info and to book, use this link https://skiddle.com/e/38046102

Photo by Angie Lawrence

FEBRUARY 2024 UPDATE

Well, carrying on from the last sentence in the January update, I have started writing again. I have just finished another monologue for Rosie, the keen knitter who went on rather an eventful river cruise in ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ She has now moved to a care home, where all does not go as smoothly as she had hoped ---

The next show for me is currently on 7^th April in London, where I’ll probably be doing a special version of ‘Still ticking!’ More information in March.

JANUARY 2024 UPDATE

The Fellowship House cabaret went extremely well. It allowed me to try some material I’ve never done before, including ‘Alone on Christmas day’. I wrote it as a lyric but I’m thinking I might just leave it as a little rhyme. That will further differentiate it from ‘Alone on New Year’s Eve’, where the story takes the opposite direction. I also sang ‘Surabaya Johnny’, which I had tried at least 25 years ago in my very first attempts at cabaret and never touched again until this year. I only just feel ready to engage with it, but Barry and I spent a lot of time on the song and his input was extremely helpful. I will spare you a breakdown of every other piece we did!

What next? We’ll see, but I really hope that I start writing again as last year did not really allow for this.

DECEMBER 2023 UPDATE

At 2.30 on Tuesday 9^th January I’m doing a little afternoon cabaret at Fellowship House, again accompanied by Barry Millington. It is mainly aimed at Hampstead Garden Suburb residents, but you could be squeezed in if you come along on the day. There is a token entry fee of three pounds. Once again it will be a mixture of the standard repertoire and my material. I don’t like to repeat too much of what I’ve done recently, so there is a bit of learning and exploring to do! Fellowship House is at 136A Willifield Way, London, NW11 6YD.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

NOVEMBER 2023 UPDATE

The show at Stephens House and Gardens went rather well. It was videoed so I'll update the highlight reel for this show. Below are a couple of performance shots.

Photos by Angie Lawrence

SEPTEMBER 2023 UPDATE

At 7.30pm on Thursday 19^th October I’ll be performing the current version (it changes a bit) of ‘Still Ticking’! at Stephens House and Gardens in Finchley. This will be near Halloween and the show will have a bit of a Halloween vibe, what with Death, a vampire and an owl being amongst its characters! To book please see Buy tickets – Nigel Osner - Still Ticking – Stephens House & Gardens, Thu 19 Oct 2023 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM (tickettailor.com)

AUGUST 2023 UPDATE

The Fellowship House show was packed and very successful – and just five minutes from my home too. Barry enjoyed the evening and we’ll try to find some other places, though they’ll need to have a grand piano! We’ll be doing an afternoon cabaret at Fellowship House in early January.

All being well, the video for ‘I’ve gone grey’ will be shot this month. We have arranged where, which is of course helpful ---

JULY 2023 UPDATE

I enjoyed my trip to Penzance and the show at the Acorn theatre went very well. I’ve been invited back. Below is a photo taken during the performance.

Photo by Cosmic Xposure

This month I’m back at Fellowship House accompanied by Bary Millington, the Wagner expert, having a bit of time off from that world! Our show is called ‘The Fellowship Follies of ’23!’ We are doing a mixture of the standard repertoire – e.g. Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Kurt Weill – and my original material. The show is at 8pm on Thursday 13^th July, followed by something sparkling. Or do I mean something sparkling will be followed by drinks! The venue is at 136A Willifield Way, London, NW11 6YD. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk

JUNE 2023 UPDATE

The Brighton Fringe shows were not a career highlight I have to say, but the latest version of ‘Still ticking!’ really came together well on the second evening. Later this month I’ll be at the Acorn Theatre, Penzance, where I’m performing a 90 minute version of ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ There will be an interval, happily. I’ve added some extra material of course, including a new song called ‘National Treasure’ with music by Steve Somerset. For anyone keen to go, the show starts at 7.30 pm. The booking link is Too Young to Stay In, Too Old to Go Out - The Acorn Theatre, Penzance, Cornwall (theacornpenzance.com)

MAY 2023 UPDATE

Just to remind you, I’m taking ‘Still ticking!’ to the Brighton Fringe on 20^th and 21^st May. The booking link is in the April update. The show is possibly in its final 60 minute form. I have more performances coming up of various shows, but I’ll let you know next month.

I’ve completed another podcast with singer and song writer Mari Wilson, often known as the Neasden queen of soul. To hear this, go to S2 Ep2: Series 2 'Still ticking!' - Episode 2: Mari Wilson, singer, song writer and actress from Too Young to stay in, too old to go out! on RadioPublic

APRIL 2023 UPDATE

I’ve just restarted my podcast 'Too young to stay in, too old to go out!' Series 2 has 'Still ticking!' as a subtitle. Episode 1 is a lively chat with Steve Somerset, musician, composer and singer. We talk about his past, when he helped to make videos for celebrated rock and pop stars. We discuss his two recent albums. You can hear three tracks. The most recent album, 'Beyond a shadow of a doubt', was released only a few days ago and has already had glowing reviews. The podcast can be heard on https://www.podchaser.com/.../steve-somerset-musician... Buy the album on https://megadodo.bandcamp.com/.../beyond-the-shadow-of-a...

If you are keen to see me perform ‘Still ticking!’ in Brighton on 20^th and 21^st May, here is the link: Still Ticking! - Brighton Fringe

As for the song I’ve recorded, it’s called ‘I’ve gone grey.’ It will be released, which is exciting, but we have yet to make the accompanying video. Unfortunately this has to be delayed a little because I’m having a bit of surgery after Easter. Well, I think the medical profession get restless if they can’t do something to me every so often! However, this time I’ll just need a few weeks to recover.

MARCH 2023 UPDATE

The recording of Steve’s song went well. We’ve tried it out on a few people and the feedback has been really enthusiastic. We’re thinking about a video for it and are quietly excited. I’ll let you know the title soon.

I’ve written something new to add to ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ I’ve got some performances lined up and need to lengthen the show to 90 minutes plus interval. I’ll include Steve’s song too.

FEBRUARY 2023 UPDATE

The show with Barry Millington in January had a full house and went really well. It has been some time since I did a whole programme with an accompanist as opposed to recorded tracks. Barry enjoyed the experience and I very much hope we will have other opportunities to work together.

At the moment I am exploring whether arts centres and small venues in England and Wales – I’m leaving Scotland for later – might be interested in me performing one of my two current shows. I’ll report on that in subsequent updates. For the moment I’ll just say that ‘Still ticking’ has two days on May at the Brighton Fringe. Here’s a link to a video of me singing ‘There’s only me to love’ in the show. Words and melody by me, arrangement by Tom Carradine and video by Amir Khan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23FKvkhaq64&t=26s

Also this month I’ll begin recording Steve Somerset’s song, mentioned in the December update. We were both too busy to begin working on it in December.

JANUARY 2023 UPDATE

Another new year. How remorselessly they keep coming! And of course I’ve got plans and hopes. For the moment I’ll just mention Tuesday 10^th January, when I’m doing a little afternoon cabaret at Fellowship House, Hampstead Garden Suburb, accompanied by Barry Millington. He’s used to accompanying classically trained singers, but is bearing up well! I’m performing some of my material and a couple of songs I used to sing before I started concentrating on my own lyrics and monologues. So, something else to remember!

DECEMBER 2022 UPDATE

The showreel for ‘Still ticking’ is now ready. You’ll find it on 'Still Ticking!' Showreel - YouTube Do take a look.

Last month I was invited back to Fellowship House to perform ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ again. The place was packed and the audience was warm and receptive. I have to say they just would not stop applauding at the end. Thanks so much.

Steve Somerset has written a wonderful song parodying 1980’s synthpop. He would like me to sing it so we’ll be working on that this month. Should be great fun!

NOVEMBER 2022 UPDATE

I had a great review from North West End UK for 'Still ticking!' Nigel Osner: Still Ticking! - Etcetera Theatre - North West End UK ' In personality, Osner presents as the snake-hipped love child of Noel Coward and Eileen Atkins, an ageing provocateur with sweetness and sleaze. His vocals are powerful and his acting skills excellent' ★★★★ There's more from this review on the reviews page. Am now deciding where to perform the show next, but the Brighton Fringe 2023 is very much in my thoughts.

I really enjoyed my stint as a vampire at the end of last month. Well, if you've got the fangs, you might as well flaunt them. Below is a photo of me - with added hands!

Photo by Steve Somerset

For those who still haven't seen 'Too young to stay in, too old to go out!', or would like to see it once more, you can catch it at 8pm Thursday 24^th November. I have been invited to perform the show again at Fellowship House, 136A Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD. Tickets from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/too-young-to-stay-in-too-old-to-go-out-tickets-416008782467

OCTOBER 2022 UPDATE

On October 16^th I'm bringing ‘Still ticking!’ back to the Etcetera Theatre, Camden. I've added a new character - Death! Booking link is: Still ticking - Buy tickets (citizenticket.co.uk)

On October 28^th I'll be wandering around as a vampire and then doing a short vampire cabaret at a Halloween event in Finchley. It will be an evening of spooky fun, with a live band and DJ Steve Somerset! Buy tickets - Sounds After Dark - Halloween - Stephens House & Gardens, Fri 28 Oct 2022 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM (tickettailor.com)

I'm also performing at two private events in October, one at the Inner Temple.

AUGUST 2022 UPDATE

Good reactions for ‘Still ticking!’ at the Camden Fringe and a lovely review in London Pub Theatres Magazine REVIEW: NIGEL OSNER: STILL TICKING! /Camden Fringe (londonpubtheatres.com) The headline message is “… tells a good yarn and gives excellent characterisations … there's a rock star sensuality to much of Osner's accomplished cabaret turns' ★★★★” I have to admit, I love the remark about a rock star sensuality! There's more from this review on the reviews page. While this show might yet have a slight change, I feel it is really bedding in. I'm planning to do at least one more performance in the autumn.

Anything else? Yes, on 28^th October I'll be a vampire mingling and singing at a Halloween event. More about this in the next update.

JULY 2022 UPDATE

‘Still ticking!’ went down well at Ludlow, and it was nice that people who saw me there last year came back for this show. Since then I’ve performed on a lovely summer evening at my agent’s garden party and offered up a very camp version of ‘I’ve been to a marvellous party’ at the Crazy Coqs, accompanied by the brilliant Michael Roulston.

Next are three performances of ‘Still ticking!’ in the Camden Fringe. The show will be at The Etcetera Theatre, 65 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BU on 12, 13 and 14 August at 5.30pm. Tickets are £12 (£10 conc). Etcetera theatre box office: 020 7482 4857. Camden Fringe link: Nigel Osner: Still Ticking! - Camden Fringe (ssboxoffice.com)

JUNE 2022 UPDATE

‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ at Fellowship House was a great success and a very enjoyable experience. I have started to use a head mic and this is exactly what I need. It allows me to change costumes yet still talk. It also allows me to perform more subtly. It is especially useful for female characters. I’ve been asked back in the autumn to perform the show again.

I’ve also done a trial run of ‘Still ticking!’ at the Concert Artistes Association and that went down very well, much to my relief! I had done a couple of the numbers at the Renaissance Alternative Music Festival, but feel I performed them better this time. One of the characters is a jaded rock star called Throb – from my musical ‘Rock Heaven’ – and below is a photo of me as him. The show is making its official debut at the Ludlow Fringe. Here is all the information you need, should you live in or fancy travelling to Shropshire! ‘Still ticking!’ will be at The Chang Thai Bar, 3 Market Street, Ludlow, SW8 1BP at 19.30 on 28^th and 29^th June. Tickets: £10 www.ludlowfringe.co.uk admin@ludlowfringe.co.uk 07950 678693

Photo by Emma Dark

MAY 2022 UPDATE

On 14^th May I am doing a cabaret spot in the middle of the Renaissance Alternative Music Festival at Electrowerkz, 7 Torrens Street, Angel, London EC1V 1NQ. Well it works for those who want a break from rock, as I have been invited to perform at this Festival twice before.

I am also performing ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ a couple of times. The first occasion is a private performance. The second is at 8pm on Thursday 26^th May in Fellowship House, 136A Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD. It's aimed at Hampstead Garden Suburb residents, but all are welcome. Tickets £8 in advance from www.eventbrite.co.uk or £10 cash only at the venue on the day. After this I’ll be concentrating on ‘Still ticking’ – more information next month.

APRIL 2022 UPDATE

As sort of promised last month, below is the image I am using for the new show ‘Still ticking!’ (I have added an exclamation mark.) Years ago if you went for photos, you might get about 12, carefully taken, or, if you felt flush, 24. This time I got about 250. Even I am not that interested in myself. However, Rafal Chlapinski is a fine photographer and I’ll be using more of his images.

Photo by Rafal Chlapinski

The first version of ‘Still ticking!’ is assembled and the music is ready. I now have to learn the new script and new material and rehearse some new characters. In the mean time, last month I gave a private performance of ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ and have some more performances to come in May.

MARCH 2022 UPDATE

The new show I mentioned in the previous update now has a title. It’s called ‘Still ticking’. This seems appropriate – well accurate - In view of what happened to me in January 2021! At the end of last year I had a couple more procedures carried out by my new cardiologist. My heart is now beating evenly again and should now remain that way. It had better ---

In the show I look back at the last 25 years of my efforts to get me and my work onto the stage. I hope to post the show image in the next update.

FEBRUARY 2022 UPDATE

Since there has been no update since October last year, have I just been asleep? Well, no, but perhaps not fully awake! However, I am working on a new show, which will include material I have never performed before and some new lyrics I am writing at the moment. Then it all has to be linked. I have a theme though not yet a title, so more information will follow. However, I have made one very firm decision. There won’t be all the costume changes I had in my previous two shows! I plan to start performing the new show by early summer. However, there will be at least one performance of ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ this year. That will be in May and currently it remains the show I want to promote the most.

I will also be doing my best to get ‘worldoflegends.com’ published. I have allowed it to languish too long.

OCTOBER 2021 UPDATE

The show at Stephens House and Gardens had a full house and went very well. The weather was perfect for performing in the open air - not something you could often say this year! Thanks go to Melanie Wynyard at the venue for the publicity and Steve Somerset for sound and photography. Below are a couple of photos by Steve, one in the dressing room, where I look quite vampiric, though no vampires in this show!

As for future performances, I postponed the October performance to next spring and other arrangements are being made. In the mean time, my heart is being made fit for purpose by a different medical team. The new and improved me will be available by the end of November.

AUGUST 2021 UPDATE

Things went well in Buxton, though the general view was that audiences were still anxious so numbers were down. My feeling was that Ludlow was a bit more confident about seeing shows, but I’m not really comparing like with like. The Buxton Fringe reviewer made some warm comments about the show. He is quoted under Reviews. And thinking of warm comments, I must thank the audience members in Buxton who sent me an email about my ‘awesome’ show. Nobody has called my show awesome before – clearly people are too reserved! – so this meant a lot.

As set out under the June update, the next performance, weather permitting, will be on 12^th September outside at Stephens House and Gardens. The Hampstead and Highgate Express will be writing an article about me, so please look out for that.

JULY 2021 UPDATE

Back from Ludlow, where I got a great response and even did an extra show, as the first sold out. It’s a friendly place and those running the Fringe are involved and supportive. And the weather was pretty good!

Significantly, it turns out I do have the energy to perform for an hour and am not wiped out at the end, so the experience was extremely positive for my recovery.

In mid-July I’m off to Buxton. To book tickets please see under the June update.

JUNE 2021 UPDATE

So does this count as a mini-tour? Hmm! Anyway, I will be performing ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ as follows:

June 29^th at 7.30pm Ludlow Fringe, Feathers Hotel, Bullring, Ludlow SY8 1AA. Online sales: www.ludlowfringe.co.uk

13^th and 14^th July at 5.30pm and 15^th July at 4pm, Buxton Fringe, Underground at the Clubhouse. For more information and online sales: www.underthefringe.com

12^th September at 3pm, open air at the Bothy, Stephens House and Gardens, London N3 3QE – Online sales: Hear about events held at Stephens House & Gardens (stephenshouseandgardens.com)

3^rd October at 3pm, Fellowship House, Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD – more information to follow

MAY 2021 UPDATE

Well, I’m actually planning some live performances of ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ More information about them in June. I have also recorded another episode of the podcast. This is a conversation with the brilliant actress, Alison Steadman. She talks about her approach to acting, why she will never perform in a musical and how she would like to direct again. Here is the link https://radiopublic.com/too-young-to-stay-in-too-old-to-g-WzBxqJ/s1!c1aba

APRIL 2021 UPDATE

Well, I’m slowly getting back into things. I’ve restarted the podcast. The first episode in Series 2 is a conversation with David Selves. David is an entrepreneur, author, charity auctioneer and broadcaster. He is Deputy Chairman of the London Press Club, also founder and host of the London Grill Club, where guests are given lunch then lightly grilled! He is a wonderful example of someone in his seventies on the lookout for new opportunities. The link is 1: Series 2 - Episode 1 David Selves, entrepreneur, public speaker, radio host from Too Young to stay in, too old to go out! on RadioPublic

I’ve been invited to send a couple of videos of me performing to the Renaissance Alternative Music Festival 2021 on 10^th April. This will insert a moment of cabaret into all that rock! This is an on line event of course. Renaissance Alternative Music Festival 2021 London Line-up, Tickets & Dates Apr 2021 – Songkick

FEBRUARY 2021 UPDATE

Well this is not how I planned to start the year. I went to have a relatively routine heart procedure, but due to something going wrong, it led to my heart stopping. This resulted in open heart surgery with ribs being broken so it was possible to get to the heart and compress it until it started again. This took a long time. It is a miracle I'm still alive. However, I am and back home after 4 weeks. I owe my life to the skilful medical team and want to praise the nurses at the BMI London Independent Hospital for their loving care, followed by the physios getting me on my feet. Now follows a long period of reestablishing my strength and muscles.

I will of course see how I can reflect this in my creative work!

DECEMBER 2020 UPDATE

The latest podcast is with Lyn Ruth Miller, who at 87 is considered the oldest female stand-up comedian on both sides of the Atlantic. She has won many awards and accolades. She only started at 71, after a career as a writer, tutor and newspaper columnist. She was intending to write about comedy, went on a stand up course for research and fell in love with performing. She is self-mocking and wickedly funny. At 67 she published her first book, Starving Hearts, an autobiographical novel about her struggle with bulimia and an overwhelming mother. She followed it with a series of other books and articles. She is a speaker who has inspired others with eating disorders to believe that they can help themselves just as she did. Oh, and she paints. In the podcast she talks passionately about performing, individuality, the effect of Covid 19 on her career, her need to obtain a visa to go on performing in the UK and why she paints every day. Here is the link https://radiopublic.com/too-young-to-stay-in-too-old-to-g-WzBxqJ/s1!cdf81

I’m turning my attention to next year and thinking about performing again. In the mean time, I’ve been working on the third in the world of legends series, as I mentioned in the October update. I reckon I’ve nearly completed a third, so although the way ahead will still be bumpy, I should get to the end. Hopefully this one won’t take another 18 years! I would like to be finished in the spring.

NOVEMBER 2020 UPDATE

My most recent podcast is with Tim Scott McConnell, the American singer-songwriter and 12-string guitarist who now performs under the name Ledfoot. He is known as the 'Master of Gothic Blues', a music genre he created. He started touring at the age of 15. His song High Hopes was released by Bruce Springsteen in 2013. For a period he headed the LA band the Havelinas. In 2007 he released his first Ledfoot album and started touring heavily in Europe as a solo performer. He talks about his approach to being a singer-songwriter, how he developed gothic blues and how, far from drying up as he has got older, he now has enough material to write about. The podcast includes two of his songs 'Wayward Son' and 'Shutup' from 'A death divine', his new album with Ronni le Tekro, soloist and lead guitarist with Norwegian band TNT. If you don't know him, cleck out this most arresting and talented performer. Here's the link to the podcast, which includes two of his songs: https://radiopublic.com/too-young-to-stay-in-too.../s1!31aa0

OCTOBER 2020 UPDATE

Having told you in August that I was starting a fantasy novel called ‘The Road to Transylvania’ – and indeed I did start it – I’ve changed my mind and gone back to the world of legends series. I have started a third to make it a trilogy. I was rather surprised to be doing this, but realised I had invented a character in the second book who definitely had a story worth telling.

After a summer break, I have just recorded another podcast. I was speaking with Dillie Keane, songwriter, singer, actress and cabaret artiste – perhaps best known as one third of the satirical cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda, of which she was the founding member 36 years ago. To date, Fascinating Aïda has had 23 million Youtube hits. She is also an environmental blogger. Dillie talks most entertainingly about performing and writing; and passionately on protecting the environment. Here’s the link: https://radiopublic.com/too-young-to-stay-in-too-old-to-g-WzBxqJ

AUGUST 2020 UPDATE

I am delighted to say I’ll be taking part in the on-line Fringe arranged by an Edinburgh Fringe venue. I had rewritten some of my material in lockdown to look at the effect of the pandemic. I was invited to perform this on line in July at the end of the International Meaning Conference – Facing Covid-19 and beyond. I was also invited to submit it to Online@theSpaceUK. It is a 15 minute show called ‘Too bored to stay in, too scared to go out!’. It is live from 10 AM Saturday 8^th August and will be available until 30^th August. The direct link is https://youtu.be/xf4fxfdoeFg You will also find it by going to online.thespaceuk.com It is listed under ‘Cabaret’.

Let me point you to a couple of episodes of my podcast ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ In the first I talk with Tom Wakeley, who has often accompanied me. For many years he was the assistant conductor in ‘Chicago’. He is the vocal coach at RADA and has a great love for cabaret. He talks about the human voice and performing. You will even hear me singing one of the songs we wrote together! Also I speak with Alex Rotas, the celebrated photographer, who has produced some truly striking images of older athletes up to 100 years old. The Spotify link to all the podcasts is in the July update. You can also find them on https://radiopublic.com/too-young-to-stay-in-too-old-to-g-WzBxqJ/episodes - no subscription required.

I did say I might give you a synopsis of the sequel to ‘worldoflegends.com’, but I think I’ll leave that for now. Happily I’m still in a creative phase and have now started on another fantasy novel called ‘The road to Transylvania’. It is based on a screenplay I wrote and an embryonic stage musical. It will need some work, especially as I’m choosing a different central character, but at least I know how the story turns out!

JULY 2020 UPDATE

I am fairly busy at the moment. I have recorded several more episodes of the podcast. The 4^th and 5^th are already live. Here is a Spotify link to the whole series. https://open.spotify.com/show/1msEY0Qii5aTNzpAKmY5PO?nd=1 I’ll be interviewing Maggy Pigott (who wrote ‘How to age joyfully’ - podcast 4 https://bit.ly/Ep4MP ) when she gives a talk on Zoom about her book at a charity event. On 25^th July I’m performing - on Zoom naturally! - at the end of an international conference on the pandemic.

I am also in a creative phase. Long may it continue! Anyway, I’ve now finished the first draft of my sequel to ‘worldoflegends.com’ and feel slightly bereft. I might give you a brief synopsis of the story next month.

JUNE 2020 UPDATE

The third episode of the podcast is now live. In this episode recorded during lockdown from a socially acceptable distance, me in Hampstead Garden Suburb and Mary Clear in Todmorden, Mary shares her enthusiasm and infectious energy with us.
Mary has moved mountains in Todmorden and paved the way for many other countries to follow suit with her wonderful community based idea of growing and sharing fruit, vegetables and herbs whilst bringing the community together.
She also runs a wide range of events including cookery demos, harvest festivals, talks, walks, workshops and tours within Todmorden that help strengthen the local community. She also talks movingly of her work as a death doula
Mary has had her voice heard on TED talks. You find out more at www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk As for me, still too bored to stay in, too scared to go out - well lyrically that is! The link to episode 3 is bit.ly/TodmordenC19

I have been beavering away at the sequel to ‘worldoflegends.com’. It will only have taken me 18 years to finish this, but no point rushing! Have also turned up a couple of times on a Canadian radio programme.

APRIL 2020 UPDATE

The second podcast is now live. In this one I talk about Covid 19, lockdown and the trials and tribulations that come with it. On the upside, it could be worse, I could be stuck with Doreen...

The link is: bit.ly/DoreenLockdown

MARCH 2020 UPDATE

Well it’s a totally different world since my last update, but you are well aware of that. Nobody yet knows who can do what and when. However, I wanted to tell you about my new podcast, which is to support ‘Too young to stay in, Too old to go out!’ It has the same name. In this new podcast, I aim to dispel the fusty myths and the apparent prerequisites of "old age". While looking at some of the challenges, in largely good humoured discussions, I want to talk to people and discuss their philosophy of ageing well. From time to time, who knows, I might insert pieces from the show!

A link to the first podcast is below. In it I have a conversation with Carole Stone, the networking queen, about friendship. You can find it on this link: bit.ly/2WwmNbx

JANUARY 2020 UPDATE

This year I am hoping to take `Too young to stay in, too old to go out!' back to the Edinburgh Fringe. I have written a new piece, which I would like to try out and, if it works, I'll have to lose something to keep to a Fringe 60 minutes. I'll be performing the show upstairs at the Wheatsheaf in Rathbone Place at 8pm on Wednesday 27^th February. Admission is free but I will take a collection at the end to help cover expenses.

I do have a new and very different show in mind, but that is for 2021!

DECEMBER 2019 UPDATE

Illness prevented me from doing much in November, but I am up and nearly running! Anyway, the show on 27^th October went very well and it was interesting doing ‘Angel to vampire!’ again after two years. I need to work on one of the characters.

I am now back with ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’, as I intend to focus on that in 2020. As to how, I’ll tell you next year. In the mean time, here is a link to a new short and sharp show reel. It also contains some lyrics and quotes from reviews. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t38qglGNVk I am also writing some more material as at some point I want to expand the show.

OCTOBER 2019 UPDATE

I have decided to raise `Angel to vampire!' from the undead for one performance this October - near Halloween of course! There was interest and I wanted to perform it after a couple of years doing the other show. It will be at 6pm on Sunday 27^th October at the Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BU/Box Office 020 7482 4857.

SEPTEMBER 2019 UPDATE

The Edinburgh Fringe was challenging, intense, irritating, rewarding, exhausting – and completely energising. It’s the need to be completely on it and energised which I find so positive. If you don’t go that way, then the whole experience can be sapping and frustrating. Keep looking and learning, so that next year can be even more rewarding. I’ll go back in 2020.

The show had been reviewed before of course, but I got a couple of four star reviews. [Please see the Reviews page.] I also had some very warm audience feedback, either after the performance or on the Edfringe page for the show - like this for example: ‘Absolutely wonderful, poignant, funny - for all ages, but especially for those in the title group! Nigel Osner was mesmerising in playing both a man or a woman. Strongly recommended by us and our friends. P.S. I have zero financial or other connections with Osner or the show.’ [Every bit of that was appreciated!]

What’s next for the show? Well I am investigating a couple of directions, but I’ll tell you more if anything happens.

JULY 2019 UPDATE

So I had better give you the booking details for `Too young to stay in, too old to go out!' at the Edinburgh Fringe. The show will be on at Sweet Novotel (80 Lauriston Place, Novotel Edinburgh Centre Hotel, EH3 9DE from August 2^nd to 18^th (except 12^th) at 17.45. So please note I am not performing in the last week of the Fringe. Here is the web link for booking : https://sw.tickets.red61.com/performances.php?eventId=18:2302