THEIR TV slot on the Jonathan Ross chat show may amount to only a few minutes a week, but that’s enough to earn 4 Poofs and a Piano an ever growing band of dedicated fans.

What viewers don’t get to see from the punchy musical introductions to Jonathan’s guests is the quartet’s sheer breadth of talent. With more than a century of experience between them working on television, theatre and in a multitude of musicals, undertaking everything from conducting and music directing to performing, the boys are experienced all round entertainers – the comedy came once they became an item. Now the British public has a chance to appreciate the all-singing, all-dancing camp stars fully as they take part in the Leytonstone Festival on Friday, July 17. And it promises to be a riotous night.

“It’s going to be a party,” says Piano Poof David Roper. “Theatres have been packed out and we all have a ball.”

The four performers landed the Friday Night With Jonathan Ross house band on-screen slot by chance, having been snapped up at a charity event by the show’s producer. The three original group members – David Wickenden, Ian Parkin and Stephen De Martin – were joined by David Roper nine months later. Seven and a half years on, they are still in residence and the four agree it’s a jammy call.

“One of the joys of the job is you catch people in their private moments” says David. “It’s great meeting legends and celebrities who have been in your psyche all your life.

“David Attenborough was amazing and Stevie Wonder was so personable and spent extra time jamming. Most of the A-listers from America are whisked in and out, but we get to see other celebs at sound check or we cross paths in make-up. It can be such a laugh.” But to all the boys, doing their own show is even better – they literally get to call the tune, and that can be anything from It’s Raining Men to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in its entirety. Adds David: “We do all styles of songs on the tour – pop, ballads, swing, reggae and a few covers – but most material is original, written by us. There’s comedy too, and big Dave Wickenden even does a bit of tap.” The boys are not new to the touring game and as long-time performers have spent several stints on the road. The current tour, they say, is a combination of their best Edinburgh Festival work, but even more edgy, and so far it has gone down a storm. Rebellious lyrics and wicked dance routines never fail to stir up the atmosphere in the auditorium. “Rowdy audiences are best – we know they’re there,” adds Dave. “There is some audience interaction in the show, although we are not vicious like stand-up acts; we take the audience through the comedy with us.” With four lively personalities and plenty of improvisation, audiences are guaranteed a feel-good, if unpredictable, show.

They are also sure to see far more of 4 Poofs and a Piano than on TV – be warned, kilts are part of the touring wardrobe!

4 Poofs and a Piano perform at The Heathcote Arms on Friday, July 17, 8pm. Tickets are £10. For further details visit www.leytonstonefestival.org.uk or www.4poofsandapiano.com