 For several years after leaving school, he worked in journalism, shipping and advertising.Ayldon joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company as a member of the chorus in 1967.The following season, he began to play the small role of the Associate in "Trial by Jury" and filled in on occasion as Sergeant Bouncer in "Cox and Box", the Learned Judge in "Trial", and the Boatswain in "H.M.S.