Four Poofs and A Piano

Four Poofs and a Piano
Greenwich Theatre, October 26, 2011

David Roper, David Wickenden, Ian Parkin and Stephen de Martin. None the wiser? Four middle-aged gay men. Still nothing? The former house band on a chat show with Jonathan Ross? Ah, now you remember. Four Poofs and a Piano are now touring the UK and the scene of their last (ever) London gig was the Greenwich Theatre last Wednesday night.
We didn't know quite what to expect. After all, the occasional song on recorded TV is really very different from a live gig on stage. Fortunately, their choice of material was appealingly broad; from the serious- a quite respectable version of Bohemian Rhapsody - to the absurd - a hilarious rendition of Bollywood songs (and dances) - the outrageous - a hideous male-only Nutcracker complete with tutus and spare tyres - and the clever - where the pianist (Roper) simply invents a new song. Throw in everything in between - Lloyd Weber musicals, number one hits (Adel), a totally sacrilegious Ave Maria and an ode to pornography ("I love porn") - and you have a sense of the group.

But make no mistake, despite the larking around, self-deprecating humour and intentionally camp style, they are talented all. David R at the piano is really quite good; an excellent range and a delicate touch; David W, is simply charming and the soul of the group. Endlessly energetic and light on his feet, his song at the piano, explaining his girth, - " I ate all the pies"- was feisty and sweet. Ian's all-round performance and his nonchalance on the drums matched de Martin's vocal solo - the strongest singer in the group. His release of a (solo) album may help explain "our final London gig" and is perhaps a sign of the end.

But if they are to split up – and I couldn’t help but wonder just where is their niche – it won’t be for want of trying or for a lack of hard work. Their ideas are funny, their lyrics are good, their harmonies well practised and their dance routines slick. While individually competent, collectively they work well each comfortable with the other and confident in themselves.

If occasionally they transverse the barriers of good taste, they do it with style and they do it with care. While John in the front was the butt of their jokes, he went home for his trouble with a copy of their CD. And a kiss.

Entertaining. 6/10.