He has contributed music and lyrics for ‘Jungle Book the Concert’ (currently being cast for workshop) and music book and lyrics for ‘The Audition’ (2018), both commissioned by theatre producer Malcolm C Cooke. He has just finished his most recent 2-Act musical, ‘Almost – A documentary musical on the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous. In 2021 Derek composed ‘Launceston the musical’ – as part of the Australian Music Theatre Festival. He wrote and recorded the 7-song show over the 5 days of the festival.
Derek’s most recently completed project is an audio-only Fringe ‘show’ about his time teaching conversational English in Japan – ‘1991 AFL Grand Final’.
As a recording musician Derek has written and recorded 6 albums of his own songs. He works regularly for the TV and stage outings of comedians Sammy J and Randy. His playing/recording/MD credits with this duo, together and in their solo outings, include the Barry Award winning ‘Bin Night’ (2010), the ABC 6 part sit com ‘Sammy J and Randy in Ricketts Lane (2015), ‘Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams’ (2009), and numerous Sammy J ABC recording, TV and radio projects.
Derek’s many jingles are currently heard every weekday on the ABC 774 Melbourne breakfast radio show.
Before musical theatre, Derek worked as a writer/performer on many puppet shows with friend and colleague Philip Millar, including ‘Tadpole’ (2006 – Polyglot theatre) the puppet rock opera ‘Tyrannosaurus Sex’ (2004, 2007), and numerous runs of the cabaret ‘Pure Puppet Palaver’ (Melbourne Fringe Festival award – Puppetry Award, 2007). Derek was also Musical Director of the Melbourne International Puppet Carnival (2006).
As well as being a musician, Derek runs his own corporate holistic communication consultancy.