Ockley Dramatic Society - Derek Farenden

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.

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