David Cottis

Dr David Cottis is Senior Lecturer and Acting Director of Programmes for Film and Photography at Middlesex University's School of Film. He holds a PhD from Birkbeck College and has a dual career as an academic, playwright, theatre director, and dramaturg. His research focuses on British cinema history, adaptation studies, horror, and musicals, with notable works including How Stage Playwrights Saved the British Cinema, 1930-1956 (2025) and analyses of Nigel Kneale's horror narratives. His creative outputs include plays such as Black Stone and adaptations like his five-actor version of Oliver Twist. Cottis teaches scriptwriting across film, theatre, and animation programmes. He has contributed to major anthologies like A Ladder of Words and presented at conferences on topics ranging from Carry On films to M.R. James's legacy. His work bridges academic critique and creative practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to narrative and performance.

Education: PhD in Theatre/Film Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London.

Research Interests: British cinema history, literary adaptation, horror studies, musical theatre, dramaturgy, and cultural criticism. Recent projects explore social realist horror, the Carry On film legacy, and stage-to-screen adaptations.

Professional Activities: Regular contributor to Wales Arts Review, dramaturg for Just Some Theatre Company, and collaborator on augmented reality theatre projects. His work has been performed at the Royal Court Theatre and the National Theatre.