My son and I first caught them at the Fringe in 2004 and lorded it over my daughter all winter with little snatches of song. Funniest thing he and I saw that year. Whole family saw them in 2004 and 2005 (both shows) being sure to go to the loo before hand. After all, accidents will happen. Completely disappointed they were not at the Fringe in 2007. See them if you can but go to the loo first.

Fred Houston, June 2008

Me and my other half have seen Topping & Butch on several occasions and we love them - seeing the words 'Topping & Butch' on your ticket or on the poster at the venue is your guarantee of a fantastic night. I'd downloaded mp3's but was still quite unsure because I felt uncomfortable about something that, whilst very well written, just seemed a bit 'twee', then we chanced upon them live. That was such a reassuring revelation! They're such a contradiction in so many ways - music hall style songs but BDSM gear, innocent and cuddly but rude and sometimes shocking even to this jaded fool. Basically what you see and the impression that gives you doesn't guarantee anything, and that's the beauty. Any prejudice, whether it's you liking the music and being shocked by the costumes, or being into the camp and rude side but feeling a little uneasy about the style of song, you end up seeing and hearing such a mix of things that you quickly realise what you loved in the first place isn't diluted and that what you didn't like is not actually an issue. Their audience handling is second to none, leaving the audience feeling safe yet still involved without being picked on (which is often the way in gay cabaret), and if you are fortunate to see them live you will see how their treatment of the audience adds so much to their act and separates them from lesser performers. If you get a chance to see these guys, you really ought to.

ian_leic, March 2007