Married to Sylvia.
Before moving to Ockley in 1988 and joining Ockley Dramatic Society, Derek was an active member of The Parish Players, Surbiton for over 25 years both as Actor and Director.
His most demanding roles were – the twin brothers, Hugo and Frederick in Jean Anouilh’s "Ring Around the Moon" and Scrooge in a play version of "Christmas Carol".
For his last 7 years with the Company he mainly directed, the most memorable being Shaw’s "Pygmalion" and the UK premier of an American stage production of "Great Expectations".
During these years, Derek appeared in one off productions with other local Societies and in 1973 appeared at the York Festival in a semi-professional production of the record breaking, off Broadway, musical "The Fantastics". This Company, The Spectrum Theatre Group, were largely composed of staff from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and the production was also staged at The Festival Theatre, Malvern, The Stables Theatre, Hastings and the Cockpit, London.
Since joining Ockley Dramatic Society, he has divided his time between acting and directing – his most enjoyable roles being Canon Throbbing in "Habeas Corpus" and Dad in "From Here To The Library" for which he was awarded the Cup for the Best Supporting Actor at the Barns Green Festival.
He was pleased to direct his favourite play, "Ring Around The Moon" in 1990 and as a Panto buff, thoroughly enjoyed directing "Aladdin" and "Dick Whittington" in tandem with the Musical Director, Jane Charman.
Last updated 17th August 2001.
Don't Blame it on the Boots | May 1989 | Director |
Too Long an Autumn | May 1990 | Director / Dad |
A Small Affair | Oct 1990 | Ron / Publicity |
House Guest | Apr 1991 | Inspector Burford / Publicity |
The Boundary Easy Stages |
Nov 1991 | Cricketer / Stage Manager / Publicity Stage Manager / Publicity |
Ring Round the Moon | May 1992 | Director / Publicity |
Half an Idea | Nov 1992 | Sound |
Rave no more Low Comedy Woman |
Jul 1993 | Stage Manager / Publicity |
Habeas Corpus | Autumn 1993 | Canon Throbbing / Publicity |
Untimely Ripp'd Curses, Foiled Again! |
Spring 1994 | Publicity Co-Director / Stage Manager / Publicity |
Cindy Ella Red Riding Hood |
Dec 1994 | Mama / Publicity Production Assistant / Publicity |
Music Lovers The Saxon Wives of Ellandune |
May 1995 | Production team / Publicity Director / Production team / Publicity |
Beyond a Joke | Nov 1995 | Edgar / Publicity |
Last Tango in Ockley Distracted Globe |
May 1996 | Publicity / Programme Eric / Publicity / Programme |
From here to the Library The Walking Dead |
May 1997 |
Dad / Stage Manager / Publicity / Programme Stage Manager / Publicity / Programme |
Sweet Caroline Sweet Caught on the hop |
Nov 1997 | Publicity / Programme A porter / Publicity / Programme |
Aladdin | Jan 1998 | Director / Band: Bassoon / Publicity / Programme |
The Witching Hour What's for Pudding? |
May 1998 | Publicity / Programme Dennis / Publicity / Programme |
After September | Nov 1998 | Mr. Smith / Publicity |
Dick Whittington | Dec 1999 | Director / Band: Bassoon / Publicity / Programme |
In a Street Anyone for Drama? |
Nov 2000 | Publicity / Programme Director / Publicity / Programme |
Sand Castles | Nov 2001 | William Patterson / Set / Box Office & Publicity |