Roses Theatre leader vows to scale up youth work in new role

DEREK BOND is to join Tewkesbury’s Roses Theatre as chief executive officer.

The Olivier winner, who grew up in the nearby town of Evesham, joins the organisation as it continues celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Under his leadership, Bond has already committed to providing greater opportunities for young people to engage with the arts.

Bond’s appointment follows the departure of Roses Theatre leader JESSICA BREWSTER, who left after six years to join culture, heritage and leisure charity, the Cheltenham Trust.

In his new role, Bond, who last year won an Olivier Award for Best Family Show, has expressed ambitions to expand youth provision and add a “community-facing” show to the theatre’s summertime scheduling.

“The Roses is already a fantastic platform with a wonderful programme,” Bond said. “There is something for everybody here, a real resource and centre for an entire community.

“Theatres like the Roses help make life more vibrant in their towns and local areas. We all want to live in a town that is buzzing – and theatres provide that energy.”

The venue, which has a capacity of approximately 350 people in its main auditorium, generates its income almost entirely from its work, receiving no core funding from either Arts Council England or its local authority.

Bond said: “What our theatre – and culture in general – can do for a community is phenomenal. We bring people into towns for unique experiences. For every £1 spent on a ticket to a show, £1.40 is spent in the wider local economy. Theatre brings us into community with each other – we just need to spread the word, and make sure that people know what amazing work is happening right here on their doorstep.”