THE works of one of England's most influential poets will be brought to life through song to mark the 401st anniversary of his birth.

Former Chalfont St Giles resident John Milton will be celebrated during an evening of poetry and song at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Little Missenden next month.

His fascinating life story took in a role during the Commonwealth government of Oliver Cromwell and led to him having a huge influence on modern science fiction writing – with Milton even putting pen to paper for some of his most inspiring work when he had gone blind.

Yet despite this, he is seldom studied by modern scholars – something next month's concert is looking to put right.

It will pair Great Missenden-based Soprano Belinda Yates with Fulham-based actor Lance Pierson.

A 'verse actor' specialising in poetry performance, Mr Pierson will recite extracts from Milton's most famous works before Mrs Yates – along with accompanist Heather Chamberlain from Pinner – takes to the stage to sing a selection of songs inspired by his poetry.

Robin Pierson, Lance's son and agent, said of Milton: “He has a wide collection of poems and subsequently the words of them have been turned into music by composers including Handel and Haydn and the show is a combination of poetry and music.

“People think he has a wonderful way with words. It's very creative and powerful.

“His most famous work, 'Paradise Lost', contains a lot of ideas that influenced modern science fiction writing. He wrote about the idea of travelling through time and space that weren't used before in popular culture.

“He carried on writing poetry even after he had lost his eyesight. It was quite amazing.”

Among Milton's lasting contributions to the English language are the phrases 'All hell broke loose', 'Every cloud has a silver lining' and 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'.

Robin Pierson said: “What Lance would say is he was considered, until the twentieth century where a lot of other poets were brought to prominence, to be second only to Shakespeare.

“A lot of that is to do with the fact he wrote using imagery from the classics and the Bible, which in the twentieth century have been seen as outdated.”

The concert, called “John Milton in Voice and Verse”, was first performed last year to celebrate four centuries since the poet's birth.

A museum dedicated to his life is based at his last remaining known former home in Deanway, Chalfont St Giles.

Robin Pierson said: “It's the only one of his homes that still exists. He lived in other places in London, which have been redeveloped, but Milton's Cottage is the only one remaining. It's partly why the concert's held where it is, because of the Milton connection.”

'John Milton in Voice and Verse' takes place at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Little Missenden on Wednesday December 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5, which includes a glass of wine, and are available by calling 01494 862008 or going to www.littlemissendenparish.org.uk.