Now and Then

Director and screenwriter Billy Wilder said, on his 92nd birthday, “I think I wasted my eighties.” Motivated by Wilder’s disclosure as he approached his own eighth decade, actor, director, and writer Leigh Lawson embarked on a quest to assemble some of his previously unpublished poems, written during an astonishing 60-year career. This captivating first collection is accompanied by a background of fascinating memories, intriguing stories, and anecdotes from around the time of each poem’s appearance. Sometimes very funny, sometimes alarmingly moving, Now and Then is the extraordinary journey of a life from poverty and abuse to achievement and fulfilment, throughout which poetry has played a major role. “A beguiling collection with a huge heart: there really is something for everyone here.” Kitty Aldridge “Leigh Lawson illustrates each poem with great stories. I love this book.” Allie Esiri “These are beautiful poems that will lift your spirits and make you laugh and cry and think. Leigh Lawson’s poetry is a real discovery – funny, touching, original, thought-provoking.” Gyles Brandreth "A gem of a book; his love of life shines strong and the accompanying anecdotes and memories all reveal a life lived to the full with both humour and deep emotion.” Caroline Hutton Leigh Lawson was born in 1943 in Warwickshire and trained at Mountview Academy and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He has played leading roles at The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, in the West End, and on Broadway. In the theatre he has worked with directors including Peter Hall, Peter Gill, Adrian Noble, Michael Rudman, and Sean Mathias. He has played principal roles in over 20 feature films, including Brother Sun, Sister Moon (dir. Franco Zeffirelli), Love Among the Ruins (dir. George Cukor), The Devil’s Advocate (dir. Guy Green), Tess (dir. Roman Polanski), Madame Sousatzka (dir. John Schlesinger), Being Julia (dir. István Szabó), and Casanova (dir. Lasse Hallström). His many television appearances include the lead roles in the series Travelling Man (Granada), Kinsey (BBC), and Stick with Me, Kid (Disney); plus numerous television shows, films, and mini-series in both England and America. He has directed plays in the UK and the USA. Leigh lives in London with his wife, actress and model, Twiggy. They have two children. Now and Then is Leigh’s first collection of poetry.