Theatre Today: Celebrating 50 years of theatre and performance studies at Warwick

Ethan Farmer

Warwick Arts Centre

For the past 50 years, the University of Warwick has firmly cemented its reputation as not only one of the UK’s leading universities for theatre studies, but also as a nurturing ground for the next generation of performers, directors, writers, and creative professionals. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards, extensive research, and innovative approaches, Warwick has become a great place for those looking to pursue a successful career in the arts. The university's fantastic campus fosters collaboration and creativity, while its access to world-class lecturers ensures that students are always at the forefront of contemporary theatre and performance discourse. As a proud member of the prestigious Russell Group, Warwick continues to set the standard for excellence in theatre and performance studies, offering students unparalleled opportunities to grow, experiment, and thrive. 

This article begins our series, Theatre Today, a monthly feature focusing on the pressing issues and intriguing topics in the industry and beyond! Dedicated to inform, inspire and engage, readers from all corners of the creative world will be provided with an opportunity to learn more about the ever-changing industry. For our June retrospective, we shine a spotlight on a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of the University of Warwick’s Theatre and Performance Studies department. We shall be exploring the great work the university has done for creatives, celebrating the fantastic accomplishments and developments that have happened within the past 50 years. Join us as we explore the University of Warwick’s rich history, key achievements, and its continued commitment to championing artistic excellence and innovation over the last 50 years as the University seeks to build and go further beyond.

History of Theatre and Performance Studies 

As a degree, Theatre and Performance Studies has faced many challenges in its short history. First offered at the University of Bristol in 1947, drama degrees were few and far between, a rare opportunity for creatives to study to a higher education level. If aspiring performers were not attending training at conservatoires and specialised drama schools, learning was limited. However, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Drama began to become a more widely accepted degree, starting a trend which now today sees over 100 universities in the UK offer Drama/Theatre and Performance Studies. 

What was once a niche offering has now become a vibrant and respected area of study, shaping generations of performers and scholars. The University of Warwick is no exception to this. Since offering Theatre and Performance Studies in 1975, the course has grown in leaps and bounds, establishing itself with an exemplary programme. Plays were brought to life and students were given greater creative license with performance thought of as a tool rather than a strict, liturgical teaching. Despite facing numerous setbacks, the continued study of Theatre and Performance was only made possible through determined resistance. This became especially true following the intervention of the Universities Grants Committee in 1986, which changed the funding model of universities from simply the number of students enrolled to the perceived quality of research, which particularly affected the teaching of Theatre and Performance, as a less research-led field. Even today, the discipline must constantly assert its value, often in the face of ignorance or indifference. Yet, its significance remains undeniable for creatives and aspiring performers, offering a vital space to critically explore and nurture their passions. 

Notable Alumni  

The University has seen incredible success among alumni from its Theatre and Performance department, which has produced a number of well-known performers and writers. From Broadway star Nadim Naaman, to soap actor Sophie Khan Levy, and British legend Alex Jennings CBE, the list is impressive. It’s hard to argue that anyone has had a more profound and widely recognised impact on the industry than Ruth Jones MBE. Co-writer and star of Gavin & Stacey, one of Britain’s most loved and successful comedy series, Jones played the iconic Nessa, delivering the unforgettable catchphrase, “What’s occurin’?” Alongside her TV work, she’s also an accomplished author, making her one of the University’s most celebrated graduates. Another standout name in British comedy is Stephen Merchant, co-creator and writer of The Office. Although Merchant didn’t study Theatre and Performance, he was actively involved in several of Warwick’s drama and arts societies during his time at the University. With a wide range of student-run societies, including the long-standing Warwick University Drama Society, there are plenty of opportunities to explore theatre beyond the degree course. 

Developments and the Future 

Maintaining its position as one of the country’s leading theatre courses requires continuous development and growth, and with strong funding the theatre department has amassed a wealth of exceptional spaces. The university is home to one of the largest multi-use spaces in the country, Warwick Arts Centre, that after a four year long £25.5 million redevelopment, reopened in 2021. Bringing in over 300,000 visitors annually to around 3000 different events, the space is used by theatre students and beyond, showing professional theatre and unlocking many creative opportunities.3 Moreover, with the completion of the Faculty of Arts Building in the same year, the University has built a portfolio of outstanding spaces, enriching its theatre students with the best facilities on offer. Costing a reported £55 million, the striking building has been shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2023, with the eight-story arts hub gaining national acclaim for its impressive architectural design. At the heart of the campus, the Faculty of Arts Building continues to demonstrate why Theatre and Performance at Warwick is viewed with such high regard. 

With such huge developments in recent years, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Warwick. It’s certain to continue as one of the leading courses for creatives, and looks set for another 50 years of great success. At the end of June with various events and offerings, alumni of the course and friends will be welcomed to come honour the exceptional history of the department, and as a Warwick student studying Theatre and Performance, I’m extremely grateful to be involved in such a wonderful and impactful course and am hugely grateful for the support and work of the department who strive always for excellence. Here’s to another 50 years of great theatre at Warwick! 

If you are interested in reading more follow this link... https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/scapvc/theatre/alumni/50th-anniversary-celebration/ 

July in theatre:

Highlights of Warwickshire 

Hayfever at the Priory Theatre (4th-12th July) 

4.48 Psychosis at the RSC in Stratford-Upon-Avon (10th-27th July) 

Frankenstein at the Rugby Theatre (12th July) 

Highlights of London:  

Evita at the London Palladium (until 6th September) 

Disney's Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (until Jan 2026) 

Giant at the Harold Pinter Theatre (until 2nd August) 

Highlights of the rest of the UK:  

Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle (1st-5th July) 

The Addams Family at the Birmingham Hippodrome (10th-12th July) 

The Pirate Queen at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall (30th June-3rd July)