One of Gloucestershire's best loved performing arts venues, The Roses Theatre, has appointed experienced director Derek Bond as its new CEO.
Derek begins his new role at The Roses in September 2025 with a view to building on the success of his 'excellent' predecessor Jessica Brewster – who stepped down to become CEO of The Cheltenham Trust earlier this year – in both bringing the best touring productions to Gloucestershire and celebrating creativity in the local community.
Winner of the 2024 Olivier for 'best family show' for Dinosaur World Live, Derek has previously directed award-winning productions of plays and musicals across the UK and internationally and has worked at the National Theatre and in London’s West End.
Having grown up in nearby Evesham, he describes his several visits to The Roses as a schoolboy as 'formative experiences' – something he is keen to pass on to the next generation of theatre fans.
He said: 'I want every schoolchild in Tewkesbury, primary and secondary, to have the chance to come to our theatre.
'Theatre-going should be a right and we’re making The Roses the most welcoming space possible, so it takes its place at the heart of our community.'
Derek believes the theatre has an important role to play for the local economy, boosting other businesses in Tewkesbury by bringing people to the town.
In his new role, he hopes to add a new community-facing, family summer show to The Roses calendar, involving both professional and local talent in producing 'a banner event' for the town and region.
He also plans to further expand the theatre’s youth offering and continue to place focus on its creative health work.
'I see my role – and The Roses’ job as a whole – as being an ambassador, an advocate, even a beacon for the value of creativity in our local communities', he added.
'We have such energy and ambition here, it’s an exciting time!
'The Roses is a theatre for everybody with everybody. I can’t wait to get started – and hope
everyone who shares our passion for community theatre feels likewise!'
