Only four days in to the New Year and Geoff and I have been to ‘The Stand’ Comedy Club Edinburgh and had one of the best nights of the year so far. 

So what you may say there’s 361 days to go but it isn’t often you get the chance to see Topping and Butch in Scotland.

If you are one of many people saying who? Then I think you are missing out on one of the best comedy, cabaret duos performing these days.  They are probably much better known on the gay cabaret scene down south and to those Edinburgh Fringe Festival connoisseurs who are willing to give any talented performers a go.

However I am running ahead of myself.  Neither Geoff nor I had heard of Allen Chalmers who is a member of “DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE” regularly performing at ‘The Stand’ Glasgow on Monday nights.  This cuddly performers’ camp comedy is well observed, hilarious and totally non-offensive. He was also able to demonstrate his musical ability, the finale of which was his solo rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ playing the whole piece in less than three minutes, raising £20 from one generous punter for the Stands Tsunami appeal. It was decided by the club to donate its profits from the evening to the appeal and also match pound for pound any donations made by the public on the night. Unfortunately we have no idea of the final total raised on the night.

I have adored Topping and Butch since I first saw them in the Fringe in 2003, it’s not just the tight red rubber costumes, the impeccable comic timing, the superb singing and clever lyrics it is the whole package. Although most of the material can be blatantly close to the edge, I have never found it offensive and have even sung along to ‘Fag-Hag’ with the best of them. Although the “Oot” banner the show comes under is predominately Gay Friendly, the audience was fairly mixed both in age and sexuality, everyone seemed to enjoy the fare on offer, as did one particular group of punters, which included comedian Craig Hill, who has a bit of a filthy laugh and minus his (sexy leather) kilt joined in with the rest of the audience having a fabulous night.

There is some doubt as to whether they will be appearing at this years Fringe but if they are and you want a good belly laugh get a ticket if you can.

If I was awarding stars for this performance 5* would be undervaluing the evening.

For more information on Topping and Butch try the website www.toppingandbutch.com ,or for information on either The Stand Glasgow or Edinburgh try www.thestand.co.uk .

We both look forward to more visits to ‘The Stand’ over the next year.

“DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE”  A fantastic mix of gags, sketches, improv and music from Raymond Mearns, Des Clarke, Allen Chalmers, Sandy Nelson and Des McLean. Also featuring special guest, previous appearances have been made by former MSP Tommy Sheridan and Fred MacAulay. ‘Glasgows hottest funnymen’ Evening Times  Doors 7.30pm. Show 8.30pm. £4