After graduating from the University of London (appropriately from Goldsmith's College), Paul trained as an actor at the Webber Douglas Academy. He worked as an actor, director and musical director/composer for over twenty years, chiefly in community theatre and theatre in education. Companies for which he has worked include Pentabus, Solent Peoples Theatre, Remould Theatre, Age Exchange Theatre, Midlands Arts Centre and Nottingham Playhouse (Roundabout). He is currently lecturing in drama and popular music at West Nottinghamshire College.