Shakespeare expert appointed to top post at Stratford

Professor Kate McLuskie, an internationally renowned Shakespeare scholar and currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, has been appointed the new Director of the Shakespeare Institute at Stratford. The Institute, which is part of the University of Birmingham, is an international centre for the study of Shakespeare, and the drama, literature and culture of his time.

Professor McLuskie, who has published widely on the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, commented: "I am looking forward to leading the Shakespeare Institute, building on the work of distinguished past directors to create a world-leading centre for the advanced study of Shakespeare's work, time, and impact in the modern world.

"I will particularly enjoy working with the Shakespeare Centre, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Royal Shakespeare Company to ensure that Stratford remains at the heart of Shakespeare in the UK and acts as a magnet for Shakespeare enthusiasts and scholars from all over the world."

Before taking up her position as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Southampton, Professor McLuskie was previously Head of English and Director of the Arts Faculty School of Research and Graduate Studies. She has been actively involved in the work of the Arts and Humanities Research Board and is also Fellow of the English Institute.

Professor McLuskie takes up her new post as Director of the Shakespeare Institute in January.