Dr Jamie Beckett is a medieval historian specialising in the dragons, folk narratives and popular performance cultures of North East England and elsewhere, with a particular interest in humour, and contemporary interpretations of the medieval past.
Whether through curating exhibitions on fearsome dragons, giving public talks or radio interviews on medieval humour, or taking part in performances, Jamie is passionate about keeping the fantastic stories and legends of our predecessors alive and well.
Beginning his studies at the University of York, Jamie carried out his PhD at Durham University as part of the ‘Records of Early English Drama: North East’ project, funded by the AHRC. A major part of this project was bringing forgotten North East theatrical, musical and performance traditions back to life: https://reed-ne.webspace.durham.ac.uk/
His research has covered the York Mystery Plays and other related performance cultures in North East England, focussing particularly on the use of humour, laughter and comic effects in popular biblical plays. Humour has always been a ubiquitous part of daily life, and that was no different in the devotional dramas staged on the streets of bustling medieval cities like York, Newcastle, Hull and Wakefield.
Jamie has a passion for dragons, and the ways stories about these fiery creatures have been told in the medieval period and beyond – particularly the legends of the Lambton Worm and Sockburn Worm, the direct ancestor of The Jabberwocky. Thinking about these creatures of power and fantasy can give us new ways to consider the past, and the people and places who lived with dragons in the landscapes of their minds.
Alongside contributions to books, blogs and other scholarly publications, Jamie has spoken at conferences internationally, as well as for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), York Festival of Ideas, and Durham’s Medieval and Early Modern Student Association. Most recently he contributed to Rhianna Pratchett’s Mythical Creatures radio series for BBC Radio 4.
Available for:
Public Speaking l Radio l Guest Blogs
Topics:
Dragons
Medievalisms and Folklore
Mystery Plays
Late Medieval Cities
Popular Performance Cultures
Medieval Humour