Moving from play to stage

The Department of English Literature and Creative Writing offers many ways to move from page to stage, or words to performance.

Shakespeare at The Castle

Our year-long ‘Shakespeare’ undergraduate module usually culminates in an option to take part (performing or in the creative team) in a full-scale summer Shakespeare performance at Lancaster’s spectacular Medieval Castle. This is a third-year module but students in year one and two are also invited to participate (without assessment) in various ways. Click below to view a clip from the 2023 production, Edward III – a play that may (or may not!) have been written by Shakespeare.

If you would like to see the film of the whole performance do just email Professor Alison Findlay, Professor of Renaissance Studies here in the Department.

Your Work at the Dukes

Our term-long ‘Writing for the Stage’ undergraduate module is, currently, taught in Lancaster’s wonderful Dukes Theatre, and usually concludes with a performance showcase also at The Dukes.

The Lancaster Playwriting Prize

This annual competition has been running since 2018, is organised in partnership with The Dukes, and provides opportunities for students to be involved in the judging process. The prize is currently £1500, as well as a rehearsed reading of the winning play, plus mentoring. The Prize aims to encourage writing for the stage among underrepresented writers in the North West. For details of the latest on the prize email creativecommunities@dukeslancaster.org. Also watch out for updates via the Dukes website (https://dukeslancaster.org) and through the Department's social media.