Pronouns: he/him
Deryck describes himself as 'Chief Worrier'! His role is to provide vision, direction and clarity for the whole staff team and our stakeholders. He takes ultimate responsibility for the successful and sustainable operation of our creative charity.
Deryck was particularly attracted to his role because of the charity’s special combination of a heritage theatre building, a distinctive Outdoor Arts Festival and its commitment to community engagement and young people. The charity’s vision is to ‘Delight and Unite Communities’ and this drives Deryck’s passion for the arts.
In 2023 Deryck was made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Winchester for services to the Arts.
Before coming to Winchester in 2017, Deryck spent five years as CEO and Artistic Director of Pavilion Dance South West, a national dance development organisation and before that he was Artistic Director of Salisbury Arts Centre for five years.
Deryck’s background is in theatre, teaching and arts development. Prior to working in arts management, he spent fifteen years designing, teaching on and managing performing arts courses in secondary schools and further education colleges. He remains committed to enabling young people to develop their talents and pursue their passions.
Deryck believes Arts and Education have the power to transform lives and are fundamental to a life worth living. Arts and Education should be basic human rights for everybody.
Outside of Play to the Crowd, Deryck is an armchair sports fan with a particular love of football. He also enjoys travelling, exploring different cultures, and seeking out new experiences - though he's always happy to come home again afterwards. To unwind, Deryck enjoys running, although he admits he does it a little more slowly with each passing year!
