Derek's illustrious career in the theatre began with a series of prestigious directing roles at renowned institutions, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he brought to life numerous productions, many of which were world or UK premieres of groundbreaking new plays.
He then went on to work at the Royal Court, Traverse, Soho, King's Head, and Manchester's University Theatre, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary director.
Throughout his tenure, Derek demonstrated a keen ability to identify and nurture innovative new plays, consistently pushing the boundaries of the art form and showcasing his mastery of the craft.
His impressive body of work includes a multitude of world and UK premieres, cementing his status as a leading figure in the world of theatre direction.
Derek's dedication to his craft, combined with his unwavering passion for the art of theatre, has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the industry, and his influence continues to be felt to this day.
Derek's professional journey continued to unfold as he seamlessly transitioned into the realm of television, spearheading a multitude of highly acclaimed single dramas and television movies for prestigious network corporations and the British Broadcasting Corporation.
In tandem with this achievement, he further broadened his creative scope by taking on the role of director for episodic drama, frequently serving as the originating director. This remarkable versatility has allowed him to build a thriving and multifaceted career within the uppermost strata of British television drama.
Derek's impressive directing credits are merely a testament to his multifaceted talents, as he has also enjoyed remarkable success as a writer, boasting a total of eight single-shot plays that have been produced for television and radio.