Tinkling the ivories while delivering comedy patter is stock-in-trade for former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Kev Orkian, whose star turn is a scratched CD version of Elton John’s I’m, Still Standing. He could have crumbled after Simon Cowell called him a “one-trick pony” in the semi-finals, but Kev took it on the chin because he was already an established performer before taking part in the show last year.
Kev started playing the piano at the age of four and has been a professional performer for the past 19 years. The Edmonton-born entertainer studied drama at Barnet College, having cut his teeth on stage with the Finchley and Friern Barnet Opera Society. He would have gone on to study drama at university but landed the lead in Me and My Girl in the West End instead. Stints on cruise ships and concerts with orchestras followed in prestigious venues including the Sydney Opera House, and more recently, tours supporting well-known comedians such as Julian Clary and Joe Pasquale.
He admits appearing on the ITV talent show raised his profile and was pleased he wowed judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan in the first round.
“I got through to the semi-finals and performed live at the Hammersmith Apollo in front of 4,000 people and got a standing ovation, which was amazing,” recalls Kev. “Even though I was voted off, Simon Cowell told me ‘you actually sound better than Elton John doing his routine,’ but they edited that out.”
Kevin has since delighted audiences with his piano-based act, which blends elements of his family’s Armenian roots with his training as a concert pianist. Last summer he took his show, The Illegal Tour, to Edinburgh.
“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.
”That was chapter one of the story, but I’ve got loads more to come. I’m working on two routines for the next tour. One is a dance routine as no one’s seen me dance yet, and there’s a hip hop number.”
Kev will be testing out his new material in his next line-up of gigs but the act will still hinge on how well he plays the piano while also delivering the gags.
“You have to know your instrument inside and out. Once you’ve done that the muscles take over. The fingers do their job. I do my job and somewhere in the middle we meet. I use to put in ten hours’ practice every day but it’s not even close to that now.”
He may not have time to practise his scales but can Kev ever see a time when he might quit the comedy for a career as a professional musician?
“The truth of the matter is I don’t think I could ever give up what I’m doing. It’s a way of life, whether that’s music or comedy, dance or musical theatre. I never really put a barrier on what I do.”
So since Kev is bringing his Elton John impression to the legendary pianist’s heartland, what does he think Elton would make of his sketch?
“He probably doesn’t even know I exist but I’d ask him, Elton do you want to do a duet with ME?”
Kev is at The Giggle Inn, Pump House Theatre, Local Board Road, Watford on Sunday, February 6. Details: www.thegiggleinn.com
