Following on from Britain’s Got Talent, Kev Orkian is off to Edinburgh Fringe, writes Nick Elvin

For many contestants on TV talent shows, being voted off spells an end to their dreams of a career in showbiz. But for Kev Orkian, his experiences on Britain’s Got Talent did nothing to discourage him.

That’s because the 36-year-old comedian was already an established performer who knew his own talent and had even performed in front of the Royal Family. Kev took part in the ITV show earlier this year. In his first round, he wowed judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan with his scratched CD/Elton John/Armenian piano player sketch (look it up on YouTube to get the idea).

But when he returned for the semi-final with another piano-based act, he was branded a “one-trick pony” by Cowell, who gave him an instant “no” vote, while the other two judges followed suit. “I knew it was going to happen,” says Kev. “A show like Britain’s Got Talent is a fantastic vehicle for singers and dancers, but for comedians, ventriloquists or comic magicians, it’s not really our kind of vehicle. It’s not enough time, you’ve got two minutes and you have four hours’ worth of material.

“It was a challenge to see how comedy would work. I was lucky to get through [to the semi-final], but I didn’t go in with the intention of winning.” Edmonton-born and raised, Kev now lives in Nazeing, Essex. He has been performing music and comedy since he was a teenager, including West End musicals, stints on cruise ships, playing with orchestras in prestigious venues including the Sydney Opera House, and more recently, tours supporting well-known comedians such as Julian Clary and Joe Pasquale.

Kev adds: “Since I did Britain’s Got Talent I’ve done quite a few galas. It raised my profile. As soon as the show finished I got called to do Prince Philip’s birthday.”

However, that private birthday bash was not the first time Kev had performed in front of royalty. Before Britain’s Got Talent he did a show for Prince Charles at an event at Windsor Castle. Next month Kev takes his one-man show, The Illegal Tour, to the Edinburgh Fringe. The show blends elements of his Armenian roots with his training as a concert pianist.

“It’s based on some families I know who came into this country 45 years ago to make it their home,” says Kev. “I play an Armenian character trying to make a living here playing the piano. It has elements of Victor Borge, Dudley Moore and Les Dawson, with a touch of Borat. “Armenians have a very Jewish sense of humour, dry, sarcastic, but very witty. I’ve taken that sense of humour and combined it with a British humour.”

Kev Orkian will be at The Underbelly, Cowgate, Edinburgh from August 4-29. Details: www.kev-orkian.com