Jean-Marc Hall
Jean-Marc Hall was born in 1952 in Edgware, a London suburb, to a French mother and English father. Inspired by the "Georgian" poets, Graves,Sassoon and Owen, he started writing during service in the Royal Navy. Whilst in the Navy he became a boxing champion and represented the Royal Navy. After leaving the Navy he became a coach to both amateur and professional fighters and was involved with boxing for over 40 years.
During the 70's Jean-Marc's poetry was influenced by the "Beat Generation" of writers such as Ginsberg and Kerouac, and in the 80's he regularly performed with the band Kit 185. Their style of performance art sets included the internationally known painter Ian Humphreys.The artist was inspired to spontaneously paint on large canvases that depicted dark and thought provoking images through the music and poetry of the band.
After a short spell managing bands and running a music venue in West
London, Jean-Marc moved to Berkshire in 1987 with his wife and two children.
It was at this time that he met author and playwrite Anthony Newby-Lee.
He encouraged Jean-Marc to expand creatively and suggested he direct some
of his plays for a local theatrical group. With access to such a wide
variety of creative talent, Jean-Marc feels strongly that young people
from all walks of life should also experience the opportunities that have
been open to him.
He regularly reads from his first book of poetry, Industrial
Nation, in public performances together with a music backing track
which he also produced.