Derek Wills (played by Jack Davenport) is a Tony and Olivier Award-winning Broadway director who recently signed on to direct a project based on the life of Marilyn Monroe, with early collaborator Tom Levitt.The relationship between Tom and Derek is strained from slights that occurred the last time they worked together. Julia and Eileen however, have no problem with Derek. Derek and Ivy begin sleeping together during Callback,when she becomes Marilyn. They have relationship problems all through the season before they finally break up. Derek is a diva who does not enjoy collaboration, and resents any attempt to challenge his authority in 'his' show. This leads to conflicts with all the other members of the creative team, though in most cases Derek winds up getting his own way. A true son of the West End, Derek Wills spent his childhood shadowing his father, Charles Wills, a well-known orchestral flautist.
he is currently dating Ivy Lynn.
Career Highlights[]
Broadway[]
- "Greater Title"
- "The Full Monty"
- "Sweet Charity"
- "Ella"
- "Uncle Vanya"
- "Tip of the Hat"
- "Hairspray"
- "Judgement"
- "Wit"
- "A Doll's House"
- "Bombshell"
- "Hit List"
West End[]
- "Greater Title"
- "Loose Cannon"
- "Uncle Vanya"
- "Slipstream"
Off-Broadway/Regional[]
- "Hit List" - Manhattan Theate Workshop
- "Bombshell" - Billy Wilder Theater, Boston
- "Marilyn: the Musical" - New York City Workshop
- "The Seagum" - BAM
- "Truth/Consequnces" - Playwrights' Horizons
- "All-American" - Actors' Theatre of Louisville
- "Love in Crimea" - Theatre Sans Argent
- "The Butterfly Collection" - Playwrights' Horizons
- "Cedar City Falls: Unplugged" - Galapagos Art Center
- "The Intelligent Desgin of Johnny Chow" - The Atlantic Theatre
- "A Streetcar Named Desire" - Williamstown
- "Hat Trick" - Manhattan Theatre Club
- "Love Soup" - Naked Angels
- "The Age of Innoncence" - The Atlantic Theatre
- "Kin" - Woolly Mammoth
- "Macbeth" - New Bubrage Theater Festival
- "ReelPolitik" - Williamstown
- "String Fever" - Ensemble Studio Theater
- "a.m. Sunday" - Actors' Theatre of Louisville
- "Maria/Stuart" - Woolly Mammoth
Indepdent Films[]
- "First of May" - New Line
- "The Underbelly" - New Line
- "Home for Good" - Lionsgate
Televison/Commerical[]
- Mustang Commercials
- "Brothers and Sisters"
- "United States of Tara"
- "Lights Out"
- "Awake"
Tony Awards[]
- Best Choreography for The Full Monty - Nominated
- Best Choreography for Hit List - Won
- Best Choreography for Bombshell - Nominated
- Best Direction for Hit List - Nominated
Laurence Olivier Awards[]
- Best Direction for Uncle Vanya - Won
- Best Choreography for Greater Title - Won
Drama Desk Awards[]
- Outstanding Choreography for The Full Monty - Nominated
- Outstanding Choreography for Hit List
- Outstanding Choreography for Bombshell
- Outstanding Direction for Hit List
Outer Cirtics Circle[]
- Best Choreography for Hit List - Nominated
- Best Choreograhy for Bombshell - Won
- Best Direction for Hit List - Nominated
He has also directed several BBC specials and is an Adjunct Professor of Directing at LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art).
Songs[]
Solos (In a Group Number)[]
Season Two:
Memorable Quotes[]
| “ | Don't be afraid of the sex. | ” |
–Derek, The Coup | ||
| “ | There's nothing safe about being a star. | ” |
–Derek, The Cost of Art | ||
| “ | No matter what happens next don't ever doubt you are a star. | ” |
–Derek, Bombshell | ||
| “ | I see her in my head. I can't help it. I see her. She just has something you don't. I'm sorry. | ” |
–Derek, Bombshell | ||