How To Be Old With Nicholas Craig

In How To Be Old, Nigel Planer's alter-ego Nicholas Craig, master of invention, theatrical historian and "absolutely bloody passionate" actor examines the intricacies, pitfalls and sheer gruelling hard work that goes into the art of being old.

Craig looks at some of the options open to the faltering actor - the Casualty patient, the Dickensian "character", the put-upon, slipper-shuffling pensioner in peril. He examines the range of opportunities in TV commercials - the smiling grandfather and the smiling health insurance patient. Technique, script and choreography together with prop handling and the choice of cardigan are all up for debate.

Anyone keen on surviving the cut and thrust of old age in the fast lane should look no further than the extraordinary tour de force that is Nicholas Craig - actor, Renaissance man and would-be pensioner.