Dr Helen Nicholson

Words of wisdom

Read, read, read.

Read as widely as possible and be flexible and open in terms of how you view any text. 

Previous employment

I have lectured in the English Department at Manchester Metropolitan University since 2000. Prior to taking up this post I taught part-time at Manchester University's Department of Drama. I have been an invited lecturer at Manchester University, Huddersfield University, the University of Warwick, and the Helsinki Theatre Academy, Finland.

Why study ?

I am constantly fascinated by my subject and the way that it complements other subjects, both in Humanities and the rest of the university. Literature is not something you can study without engaging with the world and the way it works. In my experience, drama and theatre provide the opportunity to explore human nature and its many manifestations.

Undergraduate courses

My teaching is largely in the areas of nineteenth and twentieth century British, European and American theatre and drama.

Postgraduate teaching

My teaching is largely in the areas of nineteenth and twentieth century British, European and American theatre and drama.

Research expertise

My main research interests are in the field of theatre, performance and performativity. I specialise in the performance of the law and law as a performative spectacle, something which has grown from my work on Georgina Weldon (1837-1914).

I am interested in Victorian and Edwardian popular theatre, particularly female performance and also the staging of spectacle and performance in events. This covers everything from séances, to medical demonstrations and suffrage rallies. Additionally, I am interested in theatre and performance and autobiography.

Invited papers

I have presented research papers at a number of national and international conferences.