 As those of you who regularly visit our site
will be well aware that Sheila is a huge fan of Topping and Butch, and
that is not saying that I’m not, it’s just that whenever they grace
Edinburgh, the review ticket always finds it way into her hands. I was
therefore delighted that they were playing a benefit for Edinburgh based
charity Waverley Care on Valentine’s Day so we both could go and
support a good cause as well.
Held in The Pleasance Theatre, normally known
to us as Pleasance One during Fringe time, it was initially very unusual
to be in the Pleasance Courtyard without thousands of posters and flyers
around. However there were still similarities with many punters milling
about prior to the commencement of the evening’s entertainment.
The Valentine theme was evident from the
on-stage presence of dozens of red roses and spectacular candelabra,
reinforced by a very dapper Topping who took to the stage to get
proceedings on their way. One number later he was joined by a similarly
clad Butch and it was into their trademark pastiche of ‘Never Mind’
a satirical take on the current news delivered as only they can and
updated daily. This really got the audience in the mood for the fare
that was to follow.
I am not totally au fait with their recent
material, but the boss next to me had seen some of their songs from the
last couple of Edinburghs, but to me, and most, it was fresh, always
funny and full of outrageously biting satire as these camp comedians capered through their
first session.
Part way through the first half the lads
introduced the stunning Maria Tecce. Sheila had seen this amazing
songstress perform her show Viva! at Fringe 2009 and raved about this
Dublin based singer. Ms Tecce has a voice as pure as driven snow and an
ability to sing in a variety of languages as well. Maria only had time
to deliver two solos numbers and then a Valentine duet with Butch, which
gave a new meaning to ‘Something Stupid’. I could have listened to a
lot more of this young lady and will probably be competing for the
Fringe 2010 reviewing ticket.
 Following the interval and half time raffle the
boys were back in town giving another set of high quality, and a sneak
preview of their Fringe 2010 show together with yet more material I
hadn’t heard. ‘Homages’ to national treasures Lily Allen and Susan
Boyle were two of the stand out numbers for me in this section.
But the show wasn’t over then, hell no, the
lads introduced Katrina Leskanich, probably better known to most as
Katrina of Katrina and the Waves. This
bundle of dynamite only had time for a short set, but the power of her
voice, wow! She barely needed a mike to fill the theatre. ‘Love Shine
a Light’, her Eurovision winner and ‘River Deep Mountain High’
were her featured numbers before the proceedings were drawn to a close.
But it had to end on a party theme didn’t it? Cue Katrina again for
‘Walking on Sunshine’ together with Maria, Topping and Butch on
support vocals and a whole host of Waverly Care workers doing the
backing dancing. A fitting end to an excellent night, one which raised
plenty of money for the charity I hope and gave over two hours of top
flight entertainment for the enthusiastic audience.
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Topping & Butch present a one-off charity
performance in aid of 'Waverly Care'.
Special Guests: Katrina (of Katrina and the
Waves) and mezzo-soprano Maria Tecce (from her Assembly Rooms Edinburgh
Fringe 2009 'Diva' show).
This award-winning comedy duo bring a
lighthearted musical take on current affairs, life, love and celebrity
gossip, in a show which will bring warmth and laughter for Valentine’s
Night!
Tickets,
priced £10 (£7 concession) – to include an arrival drink - are
available from Waverley Care on 0131 556 9710 or in person at the New
Town Bar, Dublin Street.
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