A gloriously camp evening of entertainment will honour Michael Topping, the outrageous cabaret artist who is recovering from a stroke.
Scott Capurro will be appearing, alongside drag legends Dave Lynn and Maisie Trollette as well as Topping’s comedy partner Joe Simmons, known as Butch.
A Spectacular Night For Michael Topping, at The Two Brewers, Clapham on November 9, has been organised by Nigerian drag artist Son of a Tutu, who is also hosting.
Topping, 74, said: “I hope it will be a joyous and camp evening and I am looking forward to seeing some of the people I have worked with over the years.”
Born in Blackpool and trained privately in piano and singing by tutors from Trinity College and the Guildhall in London, Michael Topping is best known to comedy audiences as one half of the red leather wearing duo Topping and Butch – but over a fifty-year career he has also worked with a host of other performers in panto, music hall and theatre.
Before donning the bondage gear Topping used to appear as Malitza Von Höve, a frumpy mischievous sidekick who was the accompanist and the perfect foil to the ultra glamorous drag act Dave Lynn.
Topping, who always felt most comfortable in a duo, was also in double acts with both George Logan and Patrick Fyffe – who became Hinge and Bracket. Before Hinge worked with Bracket Topping used to appear as Dame Evadne Hinge’s petulant piano playing nephew.
As well as being known for his considerable musical talents, songwriting skill and wicked sense of humour Topping was infamous for his hilarious facial expressions, earning him a reputation as the best upstager in the business.
Topping and Butch started working together in 1997 and became favourites with Edinburgh Fringe audiences, performing there from 2003 – 2011. The duo toured in continental Europe and Australia.
In 2005 they became regulars on the Radio Four show Loose Ends, performing their song Never Mind, a ditty based on a World War One patriotic song, which they adapted to suit current events.
Topping made a rare foray into solo performance in 2010, with an Edinburgh show called Head Over Heels In Love!, which he promised would: “lift the flaps of geriatric sex.”
In 2011 in what would be their last visit to the Fringe they collaborated with soap star and actress Lorraine Chase, hosting a Fringe chat show called Edinburgh Tonight.
Topping and Butch continued performing both in comedy clubs and the gay cabaret circuit and in 2015 created a Christmas show, ‘A Finger In Every Pie!” which was performed in Bob Slayer’s Grotto, alongside the Bank of England.
However in June this year Michael Topping suffered a stroke, which has affected his balance and his speech.
“I went on stage at Jongleurs in Portsmouth not realising I had had a stroke and it was a struggle. Back in London I went to hospital and realised I would have to give up the act.”
The decision to hang up his red leather boots prompted the idea of staging what may turn out to be the world’s campest ever retirement do.
Topping explains: “Son of a Tutu, who is one of my best friends, decided he wanted to do a benefit for me – a celebration of my life – even though I’m not dead.”
Among the other acts appearing in the spectacular are cabaret stars Sandra, Kelly Wilde, Miss Jason, Maisie Trollette, Jimmy Trollette, Susan Black, Tony Page, Jason Prince, Lola Lasagne and The Duchess.
There will be a raffle, with money raised going towards a retirement fund and video messages from absent friends.
Michael Topping says: “It will be lovely to see people who I haven’t seen for years and who I have worked with doing a song for me.
“It might buy one or two little luxuries for me but the evening is more about having fun. I am thrilled to bits that people want to do it, I really am.”
Buy tickets here.
