SHAKESPEARE is not the only Stratford man to turn his hand to a sonnet.
Paul Curran has just seen his first collection of poetry published, titled His Only Sonnet. The collection of 100 poems loosely follows the pattern of the seasons telling of a whole year viewed through the lens of poetry and song.
And the Stratford-born professional actor’s first collection of poetry has already found favour with arguably the world’s foremost expert on the Bard.
Sir Stanley Wells, honorary president of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Emeritus Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Birmingham University, has described the collection as ‘fascinating’.
As an actor Paul has appeared on stage and screen, in everything from Hamlet to Doctors, and on the radio in The Archers.
He even trod the RSC stage in his home town as a youngster when he played Price Edward in Richard III back in 1988 – with Anton Lesser in the title role.
The 42 year-old Oxford English Literature graduate explained what drove him to pick up the pen.
“Sonnets have for generations been fascinating snapshot insights into people’s lives and thoughts and I have tried in my book to provide a rich, varied journey throughout one year with the changing seasons, local events – such as the Mop Fair – and modern concerns sat alongside time-honoured themes of love, loss and a celebration of life.
“Writing sonnets is a difficult process, but extremely fulfilling. It is like doing a crossword at times figuring out how to fit the metre.”
Paul, whose late father was headteacher at Solihull’s St Alphege Junior School for over 30 years, and who himself previously taught English and drama at Bilton Grange School in Dunchurch, has already completed a second book of sonnets, titled Repeat Fees.
Visit www.hisonlysonnet.com for further details.
