Opera singer and ‘accidental comedian’ Iestyn Edwards bringing two shows to three different venues

Saffron Walden resident Iestyn Edwards, an Olivier Award winning Guildhall-trained opera singer and ‘accidental comedian’, is appearing in two different evenings in three local venues.

The first of these is at St Peter’s Church, Duxford, this Friday (13 September) at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 on the door, cash or card accepted.

The show is titled My Tutu Went AWOL! Around Iraq in a Doily Frock and it draws on material from Iestyn’s best-selling memoir, My Tutu Went AWOL.

Making full use of his background in Vaudeville, the performer talks about his time being the Combined Services Entertainment (CSE) ‘experiment’ who was sent out to entertain British troops on US bases in Iraq and Afghanistan during the conflicts.

Booking the talk for the second time in Duxford, Trish Chudleigh said: “He was such a success here.

“The Tutu talk is a mix of both hilarious and touching stories from his exploits entertaining troops - and butting heads with the rather frightening Royal Marine Stacks - and we’re chuffed he has agreed to come back and help us raise money for a village cause. Tutu to the fore!”

Then, on Saturday, 14 September, at 6pm at St Mary’s Church in Saffron Walden, Edward Gildea and Iestyn present Love and Loss, a recital of poetry, opera and lieder as part of the Music at St Mary’s season.

Featured poets will include Marvell, Arnold and Eliot, as well as composers Schubert, Wagner, Flanders and Swann.

International harpist Sîoned Williams will also be playing some solo pieces and accompanying Iestyn.

Iestyn will then present My Tutu Went AWOL! Around Iraq in a Doily Frock again, on Friday, 20 September, at 7.30pm at Saffron Walden library.

For more on Iestyn Edwards, visit iestynedwards.blogspot.com.