Dr Julian Richards

My PhD studied the work of the actor/director Glen Byam Shaw, with particular focus on his Shakespeare productions and time as artistic director of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in the 1950s, and monograph on Shaw is due to be published by Arden's Shakespeare in the Theatre Series in 2026. I am continuing to research Shaw’s work and career.

I am also interested in interpretations of Shakespeare on stage, particularly in the post-war period and in other war-informed and military contexts. This can include productions focusing on military aspects within Shakespeare’s plays, as well as productions of non-military plays staged in response to war or cultural trauma.

My theatrical research interests also explore the performance and adaptation of classical and early modern drama in the 20th and 21st century, and the use of theatre as a response to oppression and trauma. As well as this I am taking increasing interest in the implications of casting choices and the ideas of race, age and gender conscious casting in Shakespeare.