4 Poofs and a Piano

Never Mind the Botox

What is your show all about?

It's a slightly exaggerated history of 4 Poofs and A Piano from our early beginnings as the Four Bottoms in the sixties, through to the present when we realised that it was easier to just be ourselves - 4 Poofs making music.

Where and when can we see it?

The Pleasance Cabaret Bar 4.10 p.m. Previews from 4th, opens 8th, then every day except Monday 16th.

Do you love Edinburgh or is it a chore?

I love Edinburgh as a city but I've never been to the festival. It's been incredibly hard work putting the show together and tweaking it continually to make sure it's the best we can make it but I think it will be worthwhile. I've heard so much about the festival (all of it exceptionally good) and I for one can't wait to get there (although I'm a bit scared as well, I just hope the audiences and reviewers like us.

What will you be doing with the other 23 hrs of the day?

Sadly, not very much drinking as I need to look after my voice for the daily shows. I'm already marking off the shows I want to see and will probably spend most of the day watching other people work.

What's the best thing you've ever seen on the fringe?

I'm a fringe virgin.

What's the worst thing you've seen?

As above.

What's the most curious thing that's happened to you in Edinburgh?

On a tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, back in the eighties, one of our lorries went missing. It was carrying all the costumes, lights, sound equipment, instruments and music as well as our personal clothes. We borrowed as much eqiupment as we could, the band played from memory (and were amazing) and we did the show in the clothes we were wearing. Then we went to our digs, took them all off and washed them ready for the next day. They eventually found the lorry five days later.

If you could persuade one VIP to come to your show who would it be? Why?

Jonathan Ross. We love being a part of "Friday Night With Jonathan Ross" and wouldn't want to leave but we'd love Jonathan to see us doing something very different (like singing an entire song from start to finish!)

If the Edinburgh fairy could grant your wish, what would your wish for?

Full houses and good reviews. If I could have two wishes, it would be great to win a prize.

What advice do you have for first time Edinburgh punters?

Get a copy of the brochure and start picking your shows NOW! I've been reading it for a week and still haven't got through it all. There is so much to see and if you're not expecting it you could find yourself a bit overwhelmed but the choices. Work out a diary of shows so that you don't miss anything.