What's on
Performances, workshops, events and seminars are shown on this page, where they're of interest to Communications, Drama and Film students.
Please remember that coursework-related events may not appear until a week before the event, so please check back regularly.
Fri 17 Oct
Start time: 18:00Jessica Swale, in conversation with Jane Milling
Location: Screening TheatrePostcode: EX4 4LA Show on MapWe are delighted to be hosting a conversation with leading playwright, director and screenwriter, Jessica Swale, who is a graduate of the Department. Her work has included the plays ‘Blue Stockings’ and ‘Nell Gwyn’, which won an Olivier Award, as well as adaptation of classic novels. She has directed productions at Shakespeare’s Globe, Southwark Playhouse, Arcola Theatre, and Watermill Theatre. She was nominated the Evening Standard award for Best Director for her production of ‘The Belles Stratagem’, and has written screenplays and directed films, including writing and directing ‘Summerland’. Most recently, she has written the book for ‘Paddington: the musical’, which is due to open in the West End in November.
Jess will be talking about her career, and her experience of working on ‘Paddington’, in conversation with Professor Jane Milling.
Tue 21 Oct
Start time: 13:00A Journey into Nō Theatre: Between East and West - Drama Research Seminar
Presented by: Dr. Diego PellecchiaLocation: TS2 Alexander Building, Thornlea, New North Road, Postcode: EX4 4LA Show on Map
A Journey into Nō Theatre: Between East and West
This talk introduces nō theatre through a combination of personal experience, scholarly reflection, and audiovisual materials. Drawing on nearly two decades of research and practice between Italy and Japan, Diego Pellecchia examines the dialogue between embodied knowledge and academic inquiry within one of the world’s oldest performing arts.
Bio:
Diego Pellecchia (PhD, Royal Holloway, University of London) is Associate Professor at Kyoto Sangyo University and a certified instructor of nō in the Kongō school tradition. His research focuses on nō theatre, its transmission, and intercultural reception. His recent publications include Noh: Japanese Classical Dance-Drama (Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2025, with Nakao Kaoru) and the co-edition of A Companion to Noh and Kyogen (Brill, 2024).
Wed 12 Nov
Start time: 14:00Breaking into the Industry: A Q&A with Spotlight
Presented by: Bryan BrownLocation: ONLINE
Join the Spotlight team for an exclusive online session on breaking into the industry — covering everything from essential tools like headshots and showreels, to networking with casting directors and agents, and how to create a standout Spotlight CV.
Plus, find out how graduating students can access a special discount when joining Spotlight!