Elinor Parsons

Elinor Parsons is a Lecturer in Drama at De Montfort University, affiliated with the School of Humanities and Performing Arts within the Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities. She holds a PhD in Drama from Royal Holloway, University of London, an MA in Shakespeare Studies from the University of Birmingham, and a BA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.

• PhD in Drama, Royal Holloway, University of London
• MA in Shakespeare Studies, The Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham
• BA in English Literature, University of Bristol

Her research focuses on Renaissance drama in performance, with a special interest in musical and danced adaptations of Shakespeare. She explores how theatrical and pedagogical approaches to 'space' can enhance performance and learning. Her teaching includes undergraduate modules such as 'Texts and Stages', 'Shakespeare in Performance', and 'Drama Performance Project', as well as the postgraduate module 'Research into Drama'.

Elinor's publications and conference presentations reflect a strong engagement with Shakespearean adaptation across media, including ballet, film, and theatre. Her work analyzes innovative British ballets based on Shakespeare, screen adaptations, and the role of the reviewer in shaping theatrical discourse. She has presented at major international conferences including the Shakespeare Association of America and the International Shakespeare Association, covering topics from Russian screen versions to dancing Macbeth.

• Peer-reviewer for Shakespeare (2011–2012)

Elinor supervises PhD students, including Alexander Millington, whose research examines intimacy in contemporary British theatre, and Francesco Sani, who explores neoliberalism through theatrical performance. She has collaborated across institutions, having previously served as a Visiting Lecturer at Royal Holloway, Roehampton University, Central School of Speech and Drama, and Queen Mary, University of London, before joining DMU in 2006. She has also chaired public discussions with prominent theatre critics and practitioners, contributing to public engagement with drama and performance.

She is a member of the Centre for Adaptations and continues to develop research connecting performance, pedagogy, and spatial theory.