Andrea Smith

Dr. Andrea Smith is a Lecturer in English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk within the School of Business, Arts, Social Sciences and Technology. Transitioning from a thirty-year journalism career including work at Suffolk newspapers and the BBC, she brings practical media experience to her academic role while maintaining active connections with broadcasting institutions.

• PhD: 'Look with thine ears': A Century of Shakespeare's Plays on BBC Radio, University of East Anglia, 2022
• MA in English (Distinction), Open University, 2019
• BA in English Literature (2:1), Open University, 2016

Dr. Smith's research centers on radio drama adaptations of Shakespeare's works, examining how stage texts translate to audio-only formats and how listening rather than watching unlocks textual understanding. She investigates what audio productions reveal about the auditory experience of original theatrical stagings, emphasizing Shakespeare's linguistic primacy. Her work explores representation issues including gender dynamics in casting traditions and racial portrayal in adaptations like Othello.

Her scholarly output shows a clear trajectory from historical analysis of BBC radio drama (1920s-present) toward contemporary issues of diversity, accessibility, and technological adaptation. Recent publications demonstrate growing interest in how accents function to differentiate characters in audio drama and how silent or marginalized characters can be amplified through sound design rather than visual cues.

Dr. Smith actively engages with professional communities through key roles:

• Fellow of Advance HE
• Trustee of the British Shakespeare Association
• Member of the Wolsey 550 Project Board

As an educator, she teaches undergraduate theatre and Shakespeare modules alongside employability-focused courses covering journalism, public relations writing, and social media. She also directs the Writers in Residence module for MA Creative and Critical Writing students, facilitating community partnerships. Her industry connections enable robust student placement opportunities with local businesses and media organizations.

A passionate advocate for accessible higher education, Dr. Smith regularly shares research through British Shakespeare Association blogs, BBC History Research website contributions, and notable radio appearances including her five-part BBC Radio 3 series 'The Beeb and The Bard' (2022). Her ORCID profile documents extensive scholarly activity with significant publications anticipated through 2025.