Please note, this is a compilation of 5 hour-long lectures which have been recorded from live sessions which took place in April 2025. These sessions are available to watch flexibly in your own time up to 31st May 2025.

Dive into the dramatic world of Shakespeare and Marlowe with our new “Shakespeare & Marlowe Spring School”.

Join Simon Gregor as we compare and contrast two great Elizabethan tragedies; Christopher Marlowe’s “Dr Faustus” and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” over two immersive weeks. This format will allow us to compare and contrast the approach of two different writers to the craft of tragedy, and to the tale of two very different characters, who were both brought down, in their own way, by overweening pride and ambition.   

In Week 1, we’ll unravel the enigmatic tale of “Dr Faustus” by Marlowe, delving into its themes and characters. Week 2 shifts our focus to one of Shakespeare’s darkest masterpieces, “Macbeth”. (Please note each compilation will need to be booked separately to view.)

Simon will explore in detail one section of each play, and will also include a brief talk on a key theme or idea relating to the text as a whole. Whether you’re new to these classics or revisiting them, Simon’s engaging approach will make the texts accessible and enjoyable.

Whilst you are certainly welcome to read the plays in advance, there is no expectation that you will do so, and you can happily follow along without a copy of the text, as Simon will read some of the key passages.

Join us for this exploration of tragedy in literature! 

Zoom recording links to view these lectures will be included at the bottom of your confirmation email after you have registered.