What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

I joined Loughborough in 2007. I’m based in English, where I am currently a Reader in Late Victorian Literature.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

A major reason why I became an academic is that every day is different. I’d distinguish though between a day spent on campus working with students and colleagues, and a research day spent in a library, an archive, or ransacking the house looking for a book I’m sure I’ve got somewhere. Helping students develop and refine their skills and discover what they are capable of is very fulfilling.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

My favourite research project is my current one. At the moment, I’m writing a book about the first English production of Oscar Wilde’s play, ‘Salome’, in 1905. It had been banned by the censor because it portrayed Biblical characters, but a daring group of amateur actors managed to stage it at a theatre in Notting Hill. It’s really exciting rediscovering those lost performers and saluting their daring initiative.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Individually, when I won the LSU ‘Lecturer of the Year’ award in 2008. As a team member, it was probably working on the REF submission when English did better than ever before in REF 2021.

Which University value do you most resonate with and why?

They are all so interconnected that it’s hard to isolate one above the others, but my work is definitely about collaboration and creativity, whether with students and colleagues or in my research.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

My pride and joy is a Chilean Nightshade tree I grew from a tiny sapling. It now has masses of purple flowers every summer. The butterflies and bees love it even more than I do.

What is your favourite quote?

Ronald Firbank summed things up pretty well in his novel, Vainglory, from 1915. “The world is disgracefully managed. One hardly knows to whom to complain.”

I’ve also often benefitted from John Connolly’s sage advice: “If you’re gonna taunt the dog, make sure you know the length of the chain.” Wise words!

If you would like to feature in ‘Five Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Martha Causier at m.causier@lboro.ac.uk.