Generations Cast and Creatives

Click here to meet the cast and crew of Generations, our new show exploring intergenerational relationships. From Boomers to Gen Z, find out what makes us tick, our hopes for the future and the songs every generation should dance to.

Washed Up – FREE to view

Washed Up, Rough Glory Films’ award winning short film about Desperate Men is FREE to watch during the coronavirus crisis! This bleakly comic study takes an unflinching look at the combustible tension that drives Desperate Men to keep making vital street theatre when some days they are barely on speaking terms. Seeing how we have lasted 25 years without killing one another may inspire people to keep going through quarantine. Click here to watch for free.

Generations

“Thought provoking, funny and poignant look at what happens next when performers decide to move on after 4 decades of work”

42 years in the making, our new outdoor show represents Desperate Men handing over to the next generation. However, we are not going out quietly! We invite the audience to bear witness to a ceremony of transformation, as we pass the baton and image how the generations might co-exist in future. Click here for more info.

Richard Headon and Jon Beedell

Slapstick & Slaughter

“Anarchic but consummately crafted sketches”The Stage

“A perfectly formed and darkly comic epic”Bristol 24/7

We’ve had a fantastic response to our WW1-inspired show Slapstick & Slaughter!

Find out more here and view our promo video.

Studio for hire

Our light and airy rehearsal space has been redecorated and updated thanks to an Arts Council grant, and is available for hire.

New features include insulated floor, double glazing and a new kitchen.

Click here for details and rates.

Creative Production

About Us

Would you like to test the limits of our imagination?

We’re pretty sure it’s limitless, so get in touch if you have an idea that would benefit from a Desperate point of view – we’re always looking for new partners and projects.

Latest News

Looking for a studio to hire? Click “Read More” for more details! […] Read more

Book us now

Read more for a full list of Desperate Men shows and animations available for booking in 2023 […] Read more

Work With Us

From small, bespoke shows to epic outdoor arts productions, we can help you create amazing projects. Read on […] Read more

A message from Richie

Jon B sadly and unexpectedly left his body on December 11th 2022. He was 70.

As a co-founder of Desperate Men, I just wanted to say that what we created back in 1980 lasted far, far longer than he could ever have dreamed of and went to places that he could never have imagined. It was a hell of a trip. There have been hundreds of collaborators and fellow ‘disruptionistas’ along the way. Some have stayed in the Desperate Men family for many years, some fleetingly for weeks, days or even hours. And where would we be without the thousands of people who have watched our mad antics over the years? We thank you all - from the heart of our bottoms.

Jon leaves behind a massive hole and a huge trail of mayhem, beauty, creativity and love. He will be sorely missed. Happy Trails brother.

Richie Smith, January 2023

Jon Beedell