2014–2015 · The debut solo show
Empty Nest
An uplifting musical cabaret, that will make you laugh and cry!!
The journey of a Mum rediscovering herself. Heartwarming, amusing songs about raising kids, sending them out into the world and the fun that happens next. Drawing on both familiar and lesser-known musical theatre and jazz songs.
Empty Nest has played to much acclaim in Edinburgh, London, New York, Zimbabwe & Norway!
“Empty Nest is a joy! A totally original idea, beautifully performed by a beautiful woman. I loved it”
Anne Reid
“Funny and touching and inspiring.”
Twiggy
Creative team
Created and performed by Nicky Gayner
Direction & Creative Development: Sarah-Louise Young
Musical Direction: Sam Cable — UK and Norway
Michael Roulston — New York · Tom Carradine — Zimbabwe
2016–2017 · A musical celebration of love
Hooray for Love
Just how many frogs do you have to kiss before you find the perfect Prince?
From childhood crushes and romantic disasters to enduring love, Hooray for Love was a witty, heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of looking for love. Songs by Victoria Wood, Jerry Herman, Charles Strouse, Harold Arlen and others brought Nicky’s personal stories to life — while inviting audiences to remember their own.
The show premiered at Wilton’s Music Hall in July 2016, followed by 20 performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and six sold-out autumn dates at The Pheasantry. In 2017, it travelled to Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives.
“A distinctive, witty, polished and beautifully structured show.”
Cabaret Scenes
“A beautifully put together intimate cabaret.”
Mark Shenton, The Stage
Creative team
Created and performed by Nicky Gayner
Direction & Creative Development: Sarah-Louise Young
Musical Direction & Arrangements: Tom Foskett-Barnes
2024 · The Pheasantry, London
Musical Memories
An ode to the soundtrack of our lives.
Why can a familiar song take us straight back to a moment we thought we had forgotten? In Musical Memories, Nicky and pianist Tom Wakeley followed the music that shapes a lifetime — from the songs handed down by parents to childhood favourites, teenage anthems and melodies passed to the next generation.
Through stories, humour and moving musical moments, the show invited audiences to rediscover not only Nicky’s memories, but their own.
“Her storytelling was as enchanting as her vocals.”
Cabaret Scenes
Creative team
Created and performed by Nicky Gayner
Musical Director & Pianist: Tom Wakeley
Musical Arrangements: Tom Foskett-Barnes
Additional Writing & Creative Development: Sarah-Louise Young
