Here's a shaggy-dog story about the most tail-ented of performers who always receives a round of a-paws.

Joss Peach has been bow-wowing crowds in Brighton with his busking performance dressed as Muppets star Rowlf the dog.

Such is the success of Mr Peach's performances he has businesses battling it out to have him perform outside their premises.

As well as being a success on the streets, Mr Peach is also booked up until next summer to perform at weddings as well as birthday, Christmas and garden parties.

The 37-year-old, from Cowfold Road in Brighton, has been performing in spots around Brighton including outside The Dorset pub in Gardner Street, Brighton, for the last four months.

As well as dropping coins into his feed-me watering can, passers-by have been rewarding Rowlf in more unconventional ways by buying him pints of beer and fresh basil, while one performance inspired a man to take off his own trousers and give them to Rowlf.

Mr Peach's musical credentials are bone-a fide having performed as professional jazz pianist for 20 years, earning him a living writing library music featured on TV shows including Embarrassing Bodies and Location, Location, Location.

The idea for Rowlf came to Mr Peach during a six month camper van holiday with his wife Josie Peach, 38, and daughter Poppy Peach, 5, when he was inspired by a busker using a piano on wheels in the South of France.

When he returned to Brighton, he bought a piano on Gumtree and had a friend attach wheels to the piano.

The second part of the act, the Rowlf costume, was recovered from a friends' studio.

Mr Peach said: “When I said to him that I had got a piano and I was going to perform in Brighton he said you have got to go as Rowlf, people will absolutely love it.

The Argus:

“When people see me in the costume, they just can't help smiling.

“I wish I had done it years ago, I had the costume but sometimes it takes just one amazing moment for an idea to come together.”

The one drawback for Mr Peach is that his performances can leave him dog tired.

He said: “I have to set up in the shade because it gets very, very hot and I have to finish at 1.30pm before the sun gets really hot.

The Argus:

“When I take my break and take off the head, I am red in the face and drenched in sweat.

“I am also not able to see the keys very well but having been a professional for 20 years, I don't need to look at them that much.”

To book Rowlf the dog for an event visit josspeachmusic.com.

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