MEDSTEAD’S Hog The Limelight Show began with a rousing rendition of ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’.

And then, when Iestyn Edwards introduced himself as a retro variety artiste with certain skills – piano playing, singing and comedy – it set the pace for an entertaining evening.

His musical review was a true story of the trials and tribulations of entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq after being “discovered” by a Royal Marine called Stacks when playing before the Queen aboard HMS Victory in Portsmouth.

With his gorgeous tenor voice, Iestyn sang songs by some of the greats, including Novello and Coward, interspersed with anecdotes of how he came to write his hilarious fake Welsh songs which he sang as forfeits when placed on the “naughty tank” after minor indiscretions while in Camp Bastion in Afghanistan which, incidentally, led him to become and, I believe, remain the official mascot for 42 Commando Royal Marines.

The second half turned out to be even more uproarious when, in his alter ego, Iestyn, as Madame Galina, a Russian prima ballerina, performed some amazing ballet steps and spins to music from Giselle, encouraging the audience to shout out their amazement and appreciation as the Russians would, but in English.

The translation brought the house down!

This was followed by a demonstration of the ‘Scarf Pas de Deux’ from La Bayadere with the help of various members of the audience, and one in particular (who has asked to remain nameless).

I can say no more, you had to be there to appreciate it, and if you weren’t ...well, then you missed a wonderful evening of fun and entertainment.

It’s possible that Medstead has never seen anything like a 15-stone ballet dancer before, but then Madame Galina is a unique comic creation. Thank you Iestyn for stopping off on your way to Norway and bringing her to us.

Long may you continue to entertain us and the troops abroad, (especially Stacks!).

Thanks must also go to Mike for organising the evening and to Larry and Jack for providing the bar.

Hog the Limelight is Hampshire’s touring arts scheme, which sources quality, professional arts experiences for rural communities.