In January 2021 Nigel Osner nearly died when a routine operation went seriously wrong, leading to open heart surgery and a damaged lung. After four days in an induced coma he had to learn to walk again. He needed further surgery in late 2021 before really improving. In January 2022 he was able to create an eclectic new show. No mystery why it is called ‘Still ticking!’
In his fourth appearance in the Brighton Fringe Nigel examines 25 years of writing and performing. He illustrates his story with his original lyrics and monologues by characters including a jaded rock star, a man who hates being labelled, a woman who has given up men, a fangless vampire, an owl — and even Death themselves (well death is non-binary!) Melodies are by various composers, sometimes even by Nigel. The show aims to amuse but certainly has some bitter sweet moments. Here is the link to a short highlight reel. (81) ‘Still Ticking!’ Showreel – YouTube
Nigel performed this show in July 2022 in the Ludlow Fringe, in August at the Etcetera theatre in the Camden Fringe and in October.
- The London Pub Theatres Magazine said: ‘… tells a good yarn and gives excellent characterisations … there’s a rock star sensuality to much of Osner’s accomplished cabaret turns — Furthermore, Osner has beautiful tones to his voice, and sings powerfully —- undoubtedly a very talented performer’ ★★★★ REVIEW: NIGEL OSNER: STILL TICKING! /Camden Fringe (londonpubtheatres.com)
- —– 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 — Osner is a performer who quickly connects with an audience — ‘Still Ticking!’ soon finds its way into your heart’    ★★★★   Nigel Osner: Still Ticking! – Etcetera Theatre – North West End UK
Once a practising barrister, then employed at the Ministry of Justice, Nigel is now a performer, actor, lyricist and writer. He has taken two previous shows to the Brighton Fringe in 2017, 2018 and 2019. He has performed in the Edinburgh and other fringes, and in many London venues. This year he will be touring his shows in the UK. For his show ‘Angel to vampire!’ he was described by the Scotsman as ‘tremendously talented and very entertaining’ and nominated for excellence in new writing by the Buxton Fringe. For ‘Too young to stay in, too old to go out!’ he was described by Fringe Review as ‘a multi-skilled performer’. He has an associated podcast where he speaks to Dillie Keane and Alison Steadman among others (on Spotify and other platforms.) He has acted in two feature films, many short films and on stage. He is the author of ‘Magic in Ravenswood’ (Heinemann) which he adapted into a musical with music by BB Cooper, premiered in London in 2002/3. His fantasy novel ‘worldoflegends.com’ is available on Amazon etc.
