Before he was sidetracked by acting and then singing, it was Paul’s intention to become a writer. Over the years, he has provided scripts when needed for workshops, cod pantomimes, and links for concerts and performances of operatic scenes. While Associate Director of English Pocket Opera Company, Paul wrote the touring shows “Opera Quest” and “The History Of Western Classical Music (Part 1)” introducing opera to thousands of schoolchildren. He wrote the scripts for abridged opera performances (with massed school choirs) of “Orpheus & Eurydice” at the Arts Depot, Finchley & West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge and “Romeo & Juliet” at the Royal Albert Hall.
While performing the role of Riccardo in Verdi’s “Ballo in maschera” for Opera Up Close, Paul provided substantial (and credited) additions to the English translation. In 2022, Paul was commissioned by New Sussex Opera to translate “Belle Lurette” by Offenbach which was so successful that he was invited to translate “Le Timbre d’argent” (The Silver Bell) by Saint-Saens in 2024/25.
“Paul Featherstone’s new English version captures the absurdity and mild salaciousness of the Offenbachian genre. An operetta performer to his fingertips, he also takes the chief comic role of the Duke’s servant, Malicorne, proving expert at playing the fool.”
THE STAGE (Belle Lurette 2022)“Paul Featherstone who also provided a new book and lyrics which were very much in the spirit of the Offenbachian genre.”
OPERA (Belle Lurette 2022)“Paul Featherstone is also responsible for the very witty English “version” – very much in the spirit of Geoffrey Dunn’s Offenbach translations for Sadler’s Wells Opera many years ago. The audience at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre clearly enjoyed the, at times, rather risqué jokes whether in the dialogue or music! This was obviously a labour of love for Featherstone and he has done his job superbly, most of the cast ensuring that every word was crystal clear.”
OPERETTA-RESEARCH-CENTER (Belle Lurette 2022)“The enterprising New Sussex Opera must be congratulated on presenting the UK premiere of the composer’s first opera, Le Timbre d’argent, in May this year and supported by an effective English translation from Paul Featherstone.”
OPERA TODAY (The Silver Bell 2025“Over its 46 years of existence, New Sussex Opera has shown considerable enterprise in seeking out and performing rare, worthwhile operas. Their latest rediscovery is Le Timbre d’argent, in a neat English translation by Paul Featherstone.”
THE STAGE (The Silver Bell 2025)
To commission Paul for translations of operatic libretti – please email – paulfeatherstonetenor@yahoo.co.uk