James Critchley, Trinity

Degree: PhD
Course: English
Supervisor: Prof Drew Milne
Dissertation Title: The Peter Shaffer Papers: Writing, Revision and Collaboration in Twentieth Century Theatrical Culture

Biographical Information

I read English as an undergraduate at Trinity. I returned to the college to begin a PhD after completing an MSt in English (1900-Present) at the University of Oxford, where I was a Harris Manchester Graduate Scholar. My doctoral work is funded by the Alice and James Penney Studentship in English literature.

Research Interests

My PhD centres on the unexamined archive of the playwright Peter Shaffer, and investigates his formation by a culture of intermedial dramatic exchange (primarily the interplay between theatre, opera, and cinema). In May 2026, I published an article in the TLS on an unproduced play of his, called Our Lady of the Volcano, with a follow-up appearance on Radio 4's Today programme.

I have previously published on authors including Samuel Beckett and W. S. Graham, and have broader theoretical and methodological interests in: queer theory; genetic and textual criticism; radio and sound studies; and the history of media and mediation. 

I supervise students working on a variety of topics within drama and performance, as well as occasionally further afield. 

Selected Publications

Journal Articles

Journalism

Conference/Seminar Presentations

  • 'Screaming with Peter Shaffer', Theatrical Voice Research Centre Inaugural Conference (University of Surrey, 24-26 June 2026)
  • 'Anti-Theatre and Artificial Performance', Trinity Lunchtime Seminar Series, (Cambridge, 29 October 2025)