From Farce to Finale: Humour in Opera
Helen Astrid
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid
- Category:
- Entertainment
- Updated:
- 20th August 2025
- Tagged:
- Humour | Opera | Comedy | Entertainment
Whilst most opera is deemed long, serious and unintelligible, humour in opera is often overlooked and understated as it is spiced with ambiguity, embarrassment and clashes with the moral values of the characters portrayed. In this intriguing talk, Helen Astrid examines 5 arias, including the famous Cat Duet, dating 1816 - 1967 where comedy takes centre stage.
In the words of George Bernard Shaw, ‘Opera is when a tenor and soprano want to make love but are prevented from doing so by a baritone.’
Review: "We’re so grateful to Helen Astrid for giving us such an interesting presentation - everyone enjoyed it immensely.” Yarm Ladies Luncheon Club, Linda Bates.
Views: 1439 | Enquiries: 4About Helen Astrid
Helen is an engaging and entertaining speaker and is an accredited Great British Speaker.
She graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, and performed as a soprano soloist at most of the major venues in the UK including English National Opera, Linbury Theatre Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Garsington Opera and Chelsea Opera at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank.
Appearing on television and radio such as BBC World News, The Paul O'Grady Show, Broadcasting House and BBC's Ask the Experts Helen' s Ted Talk Tell me the truth about Opera has been viewed by 1000s. She is thrilled to be speaking at the V&A in Spring 2026 on Art in Opera.
Previous speaking engagements have been for Courtauld Institute of Art, London, Cambridge University, Plymouth University, Marlborough College, Imperial College, Benslow Music and Bishopsgate Institute.
Helen lives in South-West London and enjoys German Expressionist art, architecture, travelling and tennis. She relaxes with her cat Riesi on her lap and snuggling-up with a book and glass of Burgundy!
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