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# Desperate Men

Street Theatre, Outdoor Events & Commissions

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [The Composter](https://desperatemen.com/the-composter/) - Now available to book our new Co-Creation between The Wye Valley River Festival & Desperate Men! ‘The Composter' - A dynamic superhero show that is bold, startling & down to earth. Compost Mentis: of sound mind, memory & understanding A 30 mins show (up to 3 times a day) This interactive walkabout show
- [G](https://desperatemen.com/g/) - The Ghastly Family Gatherings The lead-up to Battle for the Winds saw Wind Gatherers collecting wind across the South West. Generations Here is the official film of the 2022 Generations project featuring the full show from the last day of the tour at Greenwich & Docklands International Festival. Ghosts – Something Rotten Desperate Men
- ['Generations' - a new show by The Desperate Men for 2022](https://desperatemen.com/generations-a-new-show-by-the-desperate-men-for-2022/) - In 2022, Jon Beedell and Richard Headon will be going back into the streets, directing and performing in a new outdoor show with a cast of young, diverse collaborators. Veteran performers, the Desperate Men, have been reflecting on their idea of themselves as 'radical outsiders' when they started on the streets in the 1980s. Were
- [Generations](https://desperatemen.com/generations/) - Was really lovely to watch the final show by @DesperateMen today at @SOFestival Thought provoking, funny and poignant look at what happens next when performers decide to move on after 4 decades of work (Geoff Rowe, founder of Leicester Comedy Festival, via Twitter) (https://twitter.com/geoff_rowe/status/1561077510103859201?t=wfvPMqGEgbrgjf6Bh0PO8Q&s=03) Loved seeing @DesperateMen at @SIRF_Stockton. Their show Generations was very
- [Washed Up](https://desperatemen.com/washed-up/) - We are making Washed Up available to watch FREE during the coronavirus crisis. It’s a cinematic film so watch on the biggest screen you can find (with popcorn if available) and please let us know your thoughts! Washed Up is a tender, witty documentary showing a creative relationship in crisis. What drives two veterans of outdoor
- [L](https://desperatemen.com/l/) - The Lighthouse Light up the Longest Night Landscape As outdoor artists, we have to be able to respond to and work with the landscape – whether it’s urban, rural, on land or aquatic. There's nothing artistic about the humble urban bin – until you climb into one carrying a torch and wheel it through the
- [The Lighthouse (1997-1998)](https://desperatemen.com/the-lighthouse-1997-1998/) - Our second Comic Street Opera, celebrating 300 years of manned lighthouses. Murder, mayhem, mermaids and pipe smoking at sea. Devised by the company. Funded by Bristol City Council, A.C.E., S.W.A . Toured the UK and Europe. 'A true deluge of visuals and sound poured out over an unsuspecting audience.' Rotterdam Dagblad, Holland Performers: Jo Smith,
- [Deadline (1988) / Indoor](https://desperatemen.com/deadline-1988-indoor-show/) - Much music in a stylish black and white setting. A fast moving black comedy dealing with death, washing up, adultery and jazz ... a must for everyone who expects to die sometime. With Ali Houillebecq (Le La Les). Written & directed by Paddy Fletcher. Toured UK.
- [What on Earth? (1995)](https://desperatemen.com/what-on-earth-1995/) - Natural History Museum, London A collaboration with Small World Productions, commissioned by the Natural History Museum, with four highly skilled circus performers - an adventure in the wonders and mysteries of the natural world. Performed in a big top on the front lawns of the Museum. 'Topics which can strike terror in the hearts of
- [The Penguin Zone (1981) / Indoor](https://desperatemen.com/the-penguin-zone-1981-indoor-show/) - Absurd, narrative nonsense about penguins taking over the world. Toured in Europe.
- [Wye Valley River Festival 2014](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival-2014/) - The arts have been spectacularly effective in communicating the key messages of the AONB. Wye Valley River Festival evaluation report It has demonstrated to us how the arts can be used to help deliver our messages to a wider audience. Andrew Nixon AONB Development Officer We came for an hour and stayed all day Audience
- [Where are they now?](https://desperatemen.com/where-are-they-now/) - Richie Smith - Associate director Richie is currently (Spring 2026) living just outside Penzance in a rural idyll. Surrounded by nature, close to the sea, he is living the dream. Always grateful for opportunities which have come his way, he took up a job with Penwith Landscape Partnership in 2018 which lasted for 5 years
- [Where are they now?](https://desperatemen.com/where-are-they-now-2/) - Click on link to see what the Desperate Men are all up to 😉
- [The Rise of The Composter](https://desperatemen.com/the-rise-of-the-composter-slide/) - Booking now for 2026 A hardy annual superhero tale for our times. Click here for more info.
- [Slapstick & Slaughter](https://desperatemen.com/slapstick-and-slaughter/) - "Anarchic but consummately crafted sketches" The Stage "Their capacity to surprise, provoke and delight remains undiminished ... I loved it" Stage Talk magazine Two men recklessly attempt to confront the absurdity of war in just 35 minutes, using their bodies, their voices and the surrealist toolbox of DADAism. Playful, physical and blackly comedic, our new
- [Ghosts - Something Rotten](https://desperatemen.com/ghosts-something-rotten/) - Do you believe in Ghosts? In a new specially commissioned show for the PASSAGE Festival, Aug 3rd-5th, Desperate Men return to Helsingør to investigate reported otherworldly psychic paranormal phantasmagoria. From the ‘other side,’ 3 spectral specialists on a spiritual pilgrimage attempt to investigate trace phenomena, such as Hamlet’s ghostly father, poltergeist activity, and reports of
- [Past Projects](https://desperatemen.com/past-projects/) - Loads of our previous projects and shows are now available in full to watch for FREE! Click here to find out more!
- [Studio for hire](https://desperatemen.com/studio-for-hire-bristol/) - Now under the management of Tit for Tat. This 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.
- [Washed Up - FREE to view](https://desperatemen.com/donate-for-washed-up/) - Washed Up, Rough Glory Films’ award winning short film about Desperate Men is FREE to watch! 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
- [Dancing Bear Cheese](https://desperatemen.com/dancing-bear-cheese/) - Case study: Dancing Bear's Cheese (2005) This spoof food product was a sensation at the Soil Association Organic Food Festival,with many convinced it was a real product. The team was congratulated for rescuing dancing bears from Eastern Europe and relocating them to disused wartime bunkers in The Ardennes Forest. Given Anti-Dance therapy they are lovingly
- [Book us now](https://desperatemen.com/book-us-now/) - Read more for a full list of Desperate Men shows and animations available for booking in 2023
- [Wye Valley River Festival](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival/) - The award-winning Wye Valley River Festival is an ambitious biennial festival inspired by the landscape and led by arts professionals collaborating with the people who live throughout the valley. It aims to inspire and challenge, to change the way we look at ourselves and how we see things, how we relate to our environment, neighborhoods
- [Latest News](https://desperatemen.com/latest-news/) - Looking for a studio to hire? Click "Read More" for more details!
- [DNAarts](https://desperatemen.com/dnaarts/) - The three-year DNAarts project was commissioned by Bath and North East Somerset Council to create new ways for communities, and particularly families who rarely come into contact with exciting and stimulating art, to engage with high quality art in all forms. Our contributions included bottling the essence of Radstock as chefs, bringing love to Twerton
- [Forty years of Desperate Men](https://desperatemen.com/forty-years-of-desperate-men/) - If you can believe it, 2020 marks Desperate Men's 40th birthday. Four decades have passed since the company emerged blinking and roaring into the world in Berlin's Tanzfabrik studios in September 1980. We had a full roster of events planned to mark the anniversary but with Covid-19 stealing our thunder, we have had
- [Desperate Men Autumn News](https://desperatemen.com/desperate-men-autumn-news/) - Bickering away on the road back from fame and fortune 'WASHED UP' IS FULLY FUNDEDThanks so much to everyone who supported our crowdfunding campaign for Washed Up, Rough Glory's rambunctious documentary about us. We smashed the original £5000 target, raising a total of £7,175 to complete the film, which explores how two people can maintain a creative working
- [Departure](https://desperatemen.com/departure/) - As Desperate Men approach the 40th year of our creative endeavours in 2020, it’s time to reflect and project. Bouncing on the springboard of the last four decades, the absurdities and upheavals of 40 years of cultural, social, environmental and political change this show will ask how on earth did humanity get here, and where
- [An End to Desperation](https://desperatemen.com/an-end-to-desperation/) - It’s time to put an end to desperation. In 2020, we will mark forty years of Desperate Men. Too many people live in quiet desperation and Desperate Men have been reflecting this in their work for nearly four decades, but now it’s time to turn the tide. Since the company was formed in 1980, our
- [Bristol Loves Tides](https://desperatemen.com/bristol-loves-tides/) - Water runs under, over and around Bristol, but how many people understand how and when it ebbs, flows, floods and falls? Bristol Loves Tides took audiences deep into the rhythm of our city’s water with an education programme for school communities and the wider public, using performance and film to explore water flows, tides and
- [Booty, Baddies and Beasties](https://desperatemen.com/booty-baddies-and-beasties/) - In March 2017 we took over the grand halls of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery for an immersive, adult only adventure inspired by the heroes and monsters of the Old English poem of Beowulf. See the film of this contemporary take on the 1000 old epic, with rap battles, music and animation, aimed at introducing
- [B](https://desperatemen.com/b/) - Battle for the Winds Booty, Baddies and Beasties Bristol Loves Tides Background Jon and Richie discuss the background and origins of the Pipe People on these early videos.
- [D](https://desperatemen.com/d/) - Dancing Bear Cheese Darwin and the Dodo Deadline DNAarts Don't call me Love, Love Directing Richie Smith discusses the skills involved in directing Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Disturbing Some of our work addresses serious issues - Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse aimed to leave audiences feeling unsettled. Desperanto We invented our own polyglot comedic
- [C](https://desperatemen.com/c/) - Carbonopoly CSI Clowns Creating characters War (Jo Kessell) from The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Pestilence (Vic Llewellyn) from The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Famine (Jo Smith) from The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Death (Richard Headon) from The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Costume Creating costumes for The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
- [Carbonopoly](https://desperatemen.com/carbonopoly/) - Like Monopoly, but instead of making money you see how far you can get round the board without using up all your carbon allowance. Land on the farmers' market and buy some local veg, and that'll cost you nearly nothing. Land on a big shop and go on a spending spree – that’ll cost you
- [SOuvenir Walk](https://desperatemen.com/souvenir-walk/) - We created our bespoke SOuvenir Walk for the SO Festival in Skegness, in the scorching summer of 2018. On a guided walk from Arcade to Arcadia we discovered a choir in a wood and a man with two helicopters in his front garden. We hung out with mascot Richie Rabbit, visited a sixties bar full
- [The Severn Project](https://desperatemen.com/the-severn-project/) - As artistic directors, Desperate Men worked with Shropshire County Council and other local authorities to develop this ground-breaking three-year project (2006 – 2009). Inspired by the River Severn, its stories and settings, the Severn Project interpreted, celebrated and explored the heritage and culture of the river and the communities that live along its banks, visiting
- [Battle For The Winds](https://desperatemen.com/battle-for-the-winds-2/) - "An unbelievable scene. So beautiful – what an ending to a great show" Nigel Hinds, London 2012 Festival As dusk falls, two thousand and twelve people wait on Weymouth sands. One by one, the torches in their hands flicker to life and they process into the sea, carrying fire into the dark waters ... A
- [Desperate Men Christmas Newsletter 2018](https://desperatemen.com/desperate-men-christmas-newsletter-2018/) - WYE VALLEY RIVER FESTIVAL WINS BOWLAND AWARD Our years acting as Artistic Directors for three Wye Valley River Festivals (WRVF) have been garlanded with an award. The event picked up the 2018 Alfred Bowland award, given annually to the best project, best practice or outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- [Farewell to the Wye Valley River Festival 2018](https://desperatemen.com/farewell-to-the-wye-valley-river-festival-2018/) - The third Wye Valley River Festival (WVRF) ended on May 20th with fire, music, and the unforgettable sight of Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon shining within the walls of Tintern Abbey. Our arboreal fairytale Heart to Hart linked the festival events together, with King Sessile following an elusive white deer through the woodland. The story concluded
- [Wye Valley River Festival 2018 - one month to go!](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival-2018-one-month-to-go/) - WYE VALLEY RIVER FESTIVAL 2018 There'll be magic in the air at Tintern Abbey next month as the moon rises within the Abbey walls. Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon will bring this lunar miracle to the Wye Valley River Festival 2018. It echoes a time when 19th century rail passengers would travel to Tintern
- [News](https://desperatemen.com/news/) - DESPERATE MEN IN ACADEMIA Susan C Haedicke (associate professor professor in the School of Theatre, Performance, and Cultural Policy Studies at University of Warwick, UK) mentions us in her new book: "Contemporary Street Arts in Europe: Aesthetics and Politics"! "In a simultaneously serious and playful way, they reclaim public spaces as the crowds gather round
- [Summer 2017 News](https://desperatemen.com/summer-2017-news/) - Image by Paul Bullivant NORWICH BURSTS BRISTOL'S BALLOONS The sporting world has been rocked by the news that Norwich has poached the 2017 World Water Balloon Tossing Championship from its traditional host, Bristol. The elite athletic event has moved from its regular spot at Bristol Harbour Fest and will instead take place at the Norwich
- [Winter 2016 News](https://desperatemen.com/winter-2016-news/) - BOOTY, BADDIES & BEASTIES "Have we awoken the terrible Dragon? Will it overwhelm us all?" Dare to join us in the grand halls of Bristol Museum on March 23 for an immersive, adult only adventure inspired by the heroes and monsters from the Old English poem of Beowulf. Expect a contemporary take on the
- [See us live in 2017](https://desperatemen.com/see-us-live-in-2017/) - May 6th Blooming Whiteway - DNA arts Project May 13th Sprung Up Springfield Park Bath - DNA arts May 13th Edinburgh PITCH event - Slapstick and Slaughter May 20th Roundabout Radstock - DNA arts July 8th Lord Mayor's Celebration July 22nd & 23rd Bristol Harbour Fest Water Balloon Toss July 25th Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
- [Summer 2016 News](https://desperatemen.com/summer-2016-news/) - "Anarchic but consummately crafted sketches" - The Stage review of Slapstick & Slaughter at the Greenwich & Docklands International Festival.
- [See us live in 2016](https://desperatemen.com/see-us-live-in-2016/) - August 4th - 7th Countryfile Live, Blenheim Palace Catch Richard Headon as Dave Fallow hosting Cirque Bijou’s Countryfile Calendar arena spectacular at the BBC ‘s celebration of all things countryside. August 13th & 14th Rubbish Heads & Water Balloon Toss, Bristol Balloon Fiesta Join us at Europe's largest annual meeting of hot air balloons. August
- [Work With Us](https://desperatemen.com/work-with-us/) - From small, bespoke shows to epic outdoor arts productions, we can help you create amazing projects. Read on & get in touch
- [Spring 2014 News](https://desperatemen.com/spring-2014-news/) - 2014 kicks off with funding success for Slapstick & Slaughter and an Articulture commission opportunity for the Wye Valley River Festival! The weather may be stuck in winter but we're frisky as Spring onions and ready for anything, so let us know if you have a project we can help with: office@desperatemen.com or 0117 939
- [July 2014 News](https://desperatemen.com/july-2014-news/) - We now have some confirmed dates for Slapstick & Slaughter over the summer - go to the Slapstick & Slaughter show page to find out where you can catch the show and see some new pictures. DNA We are currently developing a new project commissioned by Bath and North East Somerset Council to create new
- [Summer News](https://desperatemen.com/summer-news/) - Its summer and everybody's going surfing but we've got far too much to do. From the Wye Valley River Festival to Terschelling Island, from Glasto to Bristol, we're pedalling upstream through the choppier economic waters. There's no denying that arts companies face increased funding challenges at the moment but we believe that new links between
- [News](https://desperatemen.com/news-2/) - WYE VALLEY RIVER FESTIVAL We're delighted to be working as Creative Organisers on developing the inaugural Wye Valley River Festival, to be held in Spring 2014. The Wye Valley Preservation Trust and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty unit are planning three weeks of arts and heritage events that will flow down the
- [Outside Online Report - March, 2014](https://desperatemen.com/outside-online-report-march-2014/) - Read the report from Outside Online 2014, our second live online forum for outdoor artists! It took place on March 20th, the Spring Equinox, and the discussions ranged from debates about adapting to change to how outdoor artists and indoor venues can work together. You can see the summary here.
- [Wye Valley River Festival](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival-may-2014/) - The first ever Wye Valley River Festival has ended - two weeks of spectacular events from May 3 - 18th celebrating nature, culture, landscape and life along the River Wye in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). As artistic directors we were delighted with the success of the outdoor arts programme, with
- [Spring 2015 News](https://desperatemen.com/spring-2015-news/) - SLAPSTICK AND STEPHEN FRY We will be sharing the stage with the inimitable Stephen Fry on January 25th during the Bristol Slapstick Festival as we pay tribute to the one and only 'Ginger Geezer' Viv Stanshall. Mr Fry's participation shows how widely loved & respected this comic genius was and is. Hope we can do him justice.
- [March 2015 News](https://desperatemen.com/march-2015-news/) - Funding success for Wye Valley River Festival 2016 research We've scored a hat-trick with our research & development funding bids for the next Wye Valley River Festival (WVRF). Arts Council England, Arts Council Wales and the Wye Valley AONB Sustainable Development Fund have all granted R & D funds for a second festival next year.
- [See us perform in 2015](https://desperatemen.com/see-us-perform-in-2015/) - May 9 Round About Radstock DNA Project June 4 Circomedia, Bristol Slapstick and Slaughter June 14 Bedminster, Bristol Make Sunday Special Hosts July 4 Bridgwater Film Crew July 18 & 19 Bristol Harbour Festival Water Balloon Toss and Rubbish Heads July 24 Under the Stars Festival, Barnsley Pirates July 29 & 30 Surge Festival Glasgow
- [Wye Valley River Festival](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival-news/) - Let the fanfare sound down the river from Hereford to Chepstow - the second Wye Valley River Festival is going ahead in 2016! With a central theme of 'Global Arteries', the festival will explore our complex relationship with water and its vital influence on our humanity and culture. It will run from April 29th to
- [Winter 2015 News](https://desperatemen.com/winter-2015-news/) - We're preparing a travelling cavalcade of delights for 2016 as the second Wye Valley River Festival has won funding to go ahead next Spring. Read on to find out more! 2015 has also been a vintage year, with praise rolling in for Slapstick & Slaughter and a great summer working on Bristol Loves Tides and
- [History and Heritage](https://desperatemen.com/history-and-heritage/) - Desperate Men are adept at bringing history, heritage and landscape to life, whether through large-scale events such as The Severn Project or by devising characters for history walks and performances. We have previously worked for or collaborated with organisations such as English Heritage, Natural England, the Wildlife Trusts, the British Council and even the Royal
- [Rubbish Heads](https://desperatemen.com/rubbish-heads/) - A live art excursion into the wilderness of the throwaway society. Smartly suited performers with heads covered in rubbish, drop litter and decorate the ground with tin cans, plastic bottles and packaging - and then pick up the pieces. Balletic, wistful, and engaging, the mysterious repetition of clearing up and throwing away causes embarrassment and
- [Eco-pirates](https://desperatemen.com/eco-pirates/) - This spin off from the original Pirates Show sees our scurvy scumsucking squideaters turn up on the beach with a chest of what seems to be treasure. Only after the Pirates have sworn all present to an oath of silence is it revealed that the chest actually holds six month's worth of ship's rubbish! The
- [Water Balloon Toss](https://desperatemen.com/water-balloon-toss/) - A lot of water in a lot of balloons being tossed, thrown, chucked, hurled and caught - without bursting - over immense distances. A knock out competition for all ages. Great fun for every occasion and any community. A bunch of tossers having a laugh!
- [Pig Pen Riots](https://desperatemen.com/pig-pen-riots/) - The Pig Pen Riots allows you, Joe Punter, to vent your frustrations, whatever they are, in a safe manner. We provide the placards, suitable attire and even a set of foam bricks for you to lob at the department store windows. Then we herd you all into a pen to have your five minutes of
- [Everything Gets Eaten](https://desperatemen.com/everything-gets-eaten/) - Produced to celebrate the International year of Biodiversity, Everything Gets Eaten explores the relationship between the natural world and your lunch box, looking at the web of life and what humans can do to preserve the environment. Successfully presented at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, Natural History Museum and science shows in Hong Kong among
- [Darwin and the Dodo](https://desperatemen.com/darwin-and-the-dodo/) - Grounded in science and thorough research, this show looks at Chalres Darwin's ideas, life, times and legacy. Although he never saw a live Dodo, by weaving the story of this species demise through Darwin's own it provides an unlikely juxtaposition for a tongue in cheek and sideways look at the ‘mystery of mysteries'. All carried
- [CSI Clowns](https://desperatemen.com/csi-clowns/) - Crime Scene Investigator Dr Litmus and tough New York cop Lieutenant McHeath have been called in to investigate a crime scene. At the centre is a large box with a radioactive sticker. Wires protrude, connected to a variety of everyday objects: water, charcoal, tofu, a bugle, anti-dandruff shampoo, matches, a drill bit and an axe,
- [W](https://desperatemen.com/w/) - Water Balloon Toss What on Earth? Wildstreet Working together Putting together large-scale shows like The Severn Project and Battle for the Winds requires bringing many different partners and agencies, from local authorities to community groups, to the same table. This can be of great benefit to all these stakeholders, creating links between local, regional and
- [Autumn News](https://desperatemen.com/autumn-news/) - It's a miracle! Desperate Men embarks upon our 34th glorious year of existence this September, having somehow outlasted other 80s monuments including Blind Date and Dynasty. To celebrate, here's a few of the audition tapes we received when we first set the company up way back in 1980. We feel pretty good for our age,
- [Studio for Hire](https://desperatemen.com/studio-for-hire/) - Our light and airy rehearsal space is available for hire. It’s a fantastic, low-cost venue for theatre company rehearsals, measuring 17 by 24 feet, with facilities including a piano, sofa and chairs, toilet and kitchen with sink, microwave and kettle. The studio is available for hire 7 days a week and is also great for
- [T](https://desperatemen.com/t/) - The Tory Bastards Tragedy Tragedy in The Fountain Tragedy in The Lighthouse Torch Waders Battle for the Winds ended with the awesome, primal sight of 2012 volunteers wading into the sea with torches. This video shows the first tryouts for the torch wading. This BBC footage gives some idea of the scale of the final
- [Y](https://desperatemen.com/y/) - Why do we do it? For the beer and the mermaids! And because we love performing, creating shows, inviting audiences to play, as these clips from the Festival of Desperation show.
- [The Miracle Show (2005-2008)](https://desperatemen.com/the-miracle-show-2005-2008/) - A tale of travelling outsiders searching for a better life in their rather miraculous Lada! An eccentric family arrive in Britain presenting a road show from the back of their ramshackle vehicle. Supported by Arts Council England with co-commission investment from Zap Art in Brighton and the Big in Falkirk Festival. Performers: Vic Llewellyn, Huw
- [K](https://desperatemen.com/k/) - Kippered Kissing Kissing in The Fountain Kissing in The Lighthouse
- [Z](https://desperatemen.com/z/) - Zephyrs Aeolus calls the winds to gather for Battle for the Winds Geoff Dunlop's beautiful Windscapes videos, inspired by Alice Oswalds' Conversations with the Wind poems which we commissioned for Battle for the Winds
- [S](https://desperatemen.com/s/) - The Severn Project Shaman Sharks The Spirit Level Summerhill Olympics Sensational Sensational ending to The Severn Project 2007 Science CSI Clowns, Everything Gets Eaten and Darwin and the Dodo are all science-based shows. Darwin and the Dodo at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival CSI Clowns
- [H](https://desperatemen.com/h/) - History and Heritage We are particularly skilled at bringing history and heritage to life, whether by animating historical characters or creating work that responds to and illuminates local landscapes, industries and communities. History and Heritage in The Severn Project Heroes Our heroes come in all shapes, sizes and species, from the Bear in the Miracle
- [4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1999-2001)](https://desperatemen.com/the-four-horsemen-of-the-apocalypse-1999-2001/) - Our hapless horse trainer gets a nasty surprise as Sugar, Trigger, Peter and The Other One fulfil their biblical destiny. Complete with raining fish. Guaranteed to scare the kids. Devised by the company with script help from Paddy Fletcher. Designed by Sean Donahoe. Soundtrack by Shirley Pegna. Funded by A.C.E. Hugely successful touring in the
- [The Pipe People (1978-1980)](https://desperatemen.com/the-pipe-people-1978-1980/) - Half dance, half vaudeville, half loony, half art, but one hell of a whole presence. These strangely clad acolytes with hands on their heads congregate around a scaffolding pole in a kind of surreal dance. One of our most popular animations ever. The Pipe People in action at Builth Wells Hobby Fair
- [The Fountain (1994-1995)](https://desperatemen.com/the-fountain-1994-1995/) - A Comic Street Opera about love, greed, tyranny and water. Featuring our own language - Desperanto. Five piece brass band, accapella harmony singing with surreal characters and live 'cello accompaniment. Toured the UK and Europe. Performers: Dik Downey, Shirley Pegna, Jon Beedell, Richie Smith, Luci Gorell Barnes. 'Street theatre performed with great passion, alacrity, and
- [Rick, Dick & Vic ... Extreme! (2002 –2003)](https://desperatemen.com/rick-dick-vic-2002-2003/) - Set to a pounding, ethereal soundtrack, our 3 lifestyle consultants spin, frolic and soar to the beat of their hearts and souls. In true comic desperate style, Rick, Dick & Vic celebrate friendship and confront illness and despair. They delve into, wrestle with and spit out the bonds we all share. Performers: Richard Headon, Vic
- [A](https://desperatemen.com/a/) - Absurdity Desperate Men's early work played with absurdity, surrealism and all manner of physical preposterousness. Audiences Desperate Men are adept at welcoming the audience in to shows and animations and inviting them to play, as this clip from Builth Wells Hobby Fair demonstrates. Animals Audiences can include animals.
- [E](https://desperatemen.com/e/) - Everything gets Eaten Eco-Pirates Eggs and Enemies Eggs Eggs played a significant role in Desperate Men's early work. Engaging with audiences and communities Engagement and participation play a huge role in our work, whether we're drawing audiences into a story or engaging the communities who take part in large-scale pieces like the Severn Project or
- [F](https://desperatemen.com/f/) - Film Crew Festival of Desperation The Fountain The Formicators Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Flashing Speaks for itself.
- [I](https://desperatemen.com/i/) - In the Arms of an Angel Improvisation The ability to improvise is essential when you’re working outdoors with a live audience. Musical improvisation at Builth Wells. ... and here's the video for the original song: Impossible ideas We like to make impossible ideas possible.
- [J](https://desperatemen.com/j/) - Journeys Krusha describes her long and dangerous journey to England in The Miracle Show.
- [M](https://desperatemen.com/m/) - The Miracle Show Middeldam Music We incorporate music into our work wherever possible – choral, instrumental, orchestral, folk, classical, jazz, banjos, ukuleles, euphoniums, pianos, strings, a capella – and many Desperate Men shows feature original soundtracks by our musical director Shirley Pegna. Desperate Men's musical director Shirley Pegna discusses the music from the Four Horsemen
- [N](https://desperatemen.com/n/) - Nipple tassels Ursula's famous Tassel dance from The Miracle Show.
- [O](https://desperatemen.com/o/) - Our Lady of the Bears Our Lady of the Bears was the miraculous, milk-spurting saint of The Miracle Show.
- [P](https://desperatemen.com/p/) - The Penguin Zone Pearl Farm Project Pig Pen Riots The Pilgramage The Pipe People Pirates Propaganda – early work Play Jon discusses the importance of play at Footsbarn Theatre's 25th anniversary bash. We also tried playing around with video in our early days (Fish Song).
- [Q](https://desperatemen.com/q/) - Questioning We like to question aspects of life that people take for granted or never usually think about. In the Miracle Show, which followed a family of refugees, we asked audiences for their identity cards before they could enter and performed random checks on them.
- [R](https://desperatemen.com/r/) - Rubbish Heads Rick, Dick & Vic – Extreme! Royal Marines The Royal Marines supported Battle for the Winds, providing the most spectacular entrance for Doldrum. Re-interpretation Portugal’s Teatro Del Mar put together their own production of The Fountain, complete with a Portugese-influenced version of Desperanto.
- [U](https://desperatemen.com/u/) - Unexpected Part of the joy in creating shows and animations is in unleashing the unexpected onto audiences. Life is always improved by the sudden introduction of an exploding tomato or a bunch of pipe-worshipping eccentrics into a quiet afternoon. Exploding tomato Becoming a mermaid (The Lighthouse) Pipe People at Builth Wells Hobby Fair
- [V](https://desperatemen.com/v/) - Villains We've had some great villains in Desperate Men shows over the years. Here’s The Mayor being dastardly in The Miracle Show. Doldrum emerges at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival The Sturgeon Hunters from the Severn Project
- [X](https://desperatemen.com/x/) - Xtreme! Rick Dick and Vic – Extreme! - Towel dance Rick Dick and Vic – Extreme! – Jane Fonda - inspired routine. Check out the dance-off at 2 mins 15.
- [Festival Of Desperation](https://desperatemen.com/festival-of-desperation/) - In Autumn 2010, we celebrated 30 years of being Desperate Men with the mighty three-day Festival of Desperation. We took over Bristol with street theatre performances and an exhibition showing three decades of our work, plus a party, cabaret and film show at the Cube Cinema. On Sunday the festival decamped to Bristol Old Vic
- [Pearl Farm Project](https://desperatemen.com/pearl-farm-project/) - The Pearl Farm project was a chance for artists and creative people from different cultures and countries, who live and work in Bristol, to create work together. Performances took place at The Bristol Do, Stapleton Rd Festival, and Mivart Street Open Studios, and included elements of installation, performance, film, dance and music. Artists came not
- [Mentoring and Teaching](https://desperatemen.com/mentoring/) - We help mentor young and emerging companies, with 30 years of experience to pass on to artists interested in developing their theatre, street art and creative production skills. We supported eight new pieces of work for the Festival of Desperation, including Poste de Resistance (pictured). Our most recent artist support was with Fried Gold Theatre.
- [Invisible Walls](https://desperatemen.com/invisible-walls/) - Jon Beedell was invited by In Situ Theatre to collaborate with Neil Butler and Kosovar theatre company Teatri Oda to develop a project around the "invisible walls" that determine contemporary life in Kosova. 'Home' is about a thirst for freedom, and a liberation that brings a different set of restrictions - the social and political
- [The Ghastly Family](https://desperatemen.com/the-ghastly-family/) - Dysfunctional family go on a day trip to Weston Super Mare and cause havoc. Fun for all generations.
- [Don't Call Me Love, Love (1989) / Indoor](https://desperatemen.com/dont-call-me-love-love-1989-indoor-show/) - An island ... a rock in a glittering sea, two people in isolation. A traveller arrives. After the storm, the rescue. Comic, sad, terrifying and beautiful, the music fades and the dance begins ... Made in Alentejo, Portugal, with Luci Gorell Barnes. Written and directed by Paddy Fletcher. Toured UK and Europe.
- [The Formicators (1994)](https://desperatemen.com/the-formicators-1994/) - Commissioned by Zap Productions to produce a mobile tribe for 'The Coming'. The result was a mobile analysing co-operative of 5 red 'ants' and their inside-out office. Toured the UK and Europe.
- [In the Arms of an Angel (1995-1996)](https://desperatemen.com/in-the-arms-of-an-angel-1995-1996/) - A radical, bizarre, detailed indoor event concerning three corrupt bastards in a war-torn warehouse making the arms deal of the century. Meticulous, stylized, with a rich and engaging soundscape of live music and triggered recorded sounds. Directed by Tom Critchley. Premiered at the Bristol Old Vic. Toured the UK. 'A strange, evocative and thought-provoking piece
- [Pirates](https://desperatemen.com/pirates/) - Originally a commission from The International Festival of The Sea, this crude crew of loveable rogues have been putting the naughty in nautical events ever since. At their helm that old seadog, Captain Cliché, and with him his crew of historical misfits and comical cut-throats, Mr Mince, Black Eyed Nell, and Billy Boy Fingers. As
- [Wildstreet 1 (2001) & 2 (2004)](https://desperatemen.com/wildstreet-1-2001-2-2004/) - In Foster Street, focusing on the theme of home. We used our theatrical expertise to inspire and encourage the 'real voices' of the residents to be expressed. About 240 people were involved in making the event happen and over 1,000 came to visit on the evening. Conceived and co-ordinated by Shirley Pegna. Wildstreet by film-maker
- [Middeldam (2001)](https://desperatemen.com/middeldam-2001/) - Oerol Festival, Holland. 10 day residency co-ordinated by Richie Smith. Working with international street groups including Grotest Maru, Mevrouw Bakker, Fairplay, and Schuurpapier, among others, the main street of Midsland, Terschelling Island, was transformed into an animated garish tourist trap. Workshops with local schools led to a grand "Parade of the Sea" incorporating a local
- [Shaman (1984) / Indoor](https://desperatemen.com/shaman-1984-indoor-show/) - A young witch-doctor resists the temptations of a quack travelling salesman, to reach Nirvana. Toured in the UK and Europe.
- [The Tory Bastards](https://desperatemen.com/the-tory-bastards/)
- [Summerhill Olympics (2004)](https://desperatemen.com/summerhill-olympics-2004/) - Desperate Men were asked to work with Summerhill School to bring a new twist to sports day. Tying in with the 2004 Olympics in Athens, all kinds of strange competitions took place, transforming sports day as years 4, 5 and 6 invented new games for the sports day, based on the elements of earth, water
- [Sharks](https://desperatemen.com/sharks/)
- [The Pilgrimage (1994)](https://desperatemen.com/the-pilgrimage-1994/) - Amersfoort Street Theatre Festival, Holland Large scale outdoor piece of rude theatre with 7 days of animations around the town - the last 2 nights being a huge procession through the streets and on the canals relating the story of a sacred statue and a little girl. Historical fact and desperate fantasy were interwoven, with
- [The Book of Jobs (1986) / Indoor](https://desperatemen.com/the-book-of-jobs-1986-indoor-show/) - A multi-layered, over populated musical cartoon. Phil and Simon seek the ultimate job, with the aid of 24 noses and a set made of newspaper. Written and directed by Paddy Fletcher. First in his trilogy about Work, Love and Death. Toured in the UK and Europe. "Rich, dreamlike qualities" The Guardian, UK
- [White Horse Show (1987) / Street](https://desperatemen.com/the-white-horse-show-1987-street-show/) - Conceived and performed by Jon and Luci Gorell Barnes. Very loosely based on a mummers play.
- [Os Aviadores 1998 - Alentejo, Portugal](https://desperatemen.com/os-aviadores-1998-alentejo-portugal/) - One off spectacular for the Concelho de Odemira. (District Council) A celebration of an historic flight from Portugal to Macau in 1920. Directed and co produced by Jon Beedell with Teatro ao Largo and Teatro do Mar. Included 100 local people, bands, horses, canoes, fireworks, a crucifixion, and a life size aeroplane travelling through the
- [A Stroll in the Park (2005)](https://desperatemen.com/a-stroll-in-the-park-2005/) - And a walk in the dark ... Desperate Men worked with Cirque Bijou and Blackout Arts to create this outdoor event in Castle Park, Bristol. A commission from Bristol City Council. Participants were invited to interact with left Brian and right Brian, and think about the value of creativity. Blackout Arts filmed the proceedings and
- [Spirit Level (1982) / Indoor](https://desperatemen.com/spirit-level-1982-indoor-show/) - Thematic roller-coaster ride about empire, Thatcher, royalty and death. Toured UK and Europe.
- [Eggs and Enemies (1980) / Indoor](https://desperatemen.com/eggs-and-enemies-1980-indoor-show/) - Absurd, non narrative collection of oddities, with the theme of friendship and obsession. Toured in the UK and Europe.
- [Light up the Longest Night (1994-1998)](https://desperatemen.com/light-up-the-longest-night-1994-1998/) - St. Werburghs, Bristol. An annual event conceived by Richard Headon with The Crew- Fergus Mercer, Bronwen Gwilliam – a celebration of the Winter Solstice with local groups. Lantern parade, music, pyrotechnics, art installations, projections etc, en route.
- [Kippered ... (2006)](https://desperatemen.com/kippered-2006/) - With the smoking ban imminent, Desperate Men rolled up with a comic take on how to ease the cold turkey. Commissioned by Falkirk Council, "Kippered" was a fabulous, fishy, performance. No longer able to smoke in their cosy smokery, the kipper twins perambulate the streets, looking for a place to puff. One kipper says to
- [The Film Crew](https://desperatemen.com/the-film-crew/) - Delighting audiences and film fans, The Film Crew employ convincing fake hardware and involve the audience as extras. As befits the film and TV industry, giant egos and artistic temperaments are on display as the crew fight to get footage in the can! Hilarious consequences ensue, resulting in situations as alarmingly realistic as they are

## Pages

- [About Us](https://desperatemen.com/about-us/) - One of the UK's most versatile and inventive outdoor arts companies, Desperate Men's mischievous, warm hearted work invites audiences to ask serious questions about the world. "People tend to forget that play is serious" DAVID HOCKNEY Desperate Men have been inviting people to play for over 45 years, creating, performing and producing ground-breaking outdoor theatre
- [Contact Us](https://desperatemen.com/contact-us/) - General Enquiries: office@desperatemen.com Press Enquiries: richard@desperatemen.com Mobile: 0777 591 1620 Address: Epstein Buildings, Mivart Street, Bristol BS5 6JL
- [A celebration of 40 years of Desperation](https://desperatemen.com/40-years/) - In 2020, Desperate Men turned 40. We invited friends and collaborators to send us their best and worst memories of Desperate Men. And for even more desperate dessert, make your way to our Vimeo channel our our YouTube channel to see some weird and wonderful archives. Thank you all! Jon & Richard PS: leave a
- [Desperate Studios Rehearsal Space](https://desperatemen.com/rehearsal-space/) - Now under the management of Tit for Tat. This light and airy rehearsal space is available for hire. It's a fantastic, low-cost venue for theatre company rehearsals and filming. Available for hire 7 days a week. 17 x 24 feet Insulated floor Double glazed windows with black-out blinds Piano, sofa and chairs Access to
- [Wye Valley River Festival 2022](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival-2022/) - Our Wye Valley River Festival ran from 27th May – 5th June 2022 with the usual eclectic mix of Art in the landscape, bands on the street, performers on bicycles, foraging in the woods, an expanded community outreach program and a full panoply of shows and events along the valley. WVRF 2022's inspiration was Human ⇋
- [Wye Valley River Festival 2020](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival-2020/) - This year the WVRF online programme flowed from the Valley right into your home. Using the theme of Time as inspiration, we curated and produced playful and powerful performances for all the family; an eclectic mix of shows and films, talks and workshops, live music and activities to get involved with. Our new ensemble show
- [Wye Valley River Festival 2018](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival-2018/) - Exploring the theme of Trees and Woodlands, the Wye Valley River Festival 2018 was rooted in the woodlands that shroud & define the Wye Valley AONB. With two weeks of glorious May weather, the festival attracted great audiences and was featured in national press including the Guardian, the Times and the Telegraph. Magical events sprang
- [Wye Valley River Festival 2016](https://desperatemen.com/wye-valley-river-festival-2016/) - With a central theme of 'Global Arteries', the 2016 Wye Valley River Festival explored our complex relationship with water and its vital influence on our humanity and culture. More than 27,000 visitors came to the festival, which flowed along the river from Hereford to Chepstow between April 29th and May 15th. At the heart of
- [GENERATIONS: Cast and Creatives Q & A](https://desperatemen.com/generations-cast-creatives/) - RICHARD HEADON Creative Producer, Writer, Director, Performer CLICK HERE for a longer interview with Richard about the creative process behind GENERATIONS. Give us a brief biography As Co-Artistic Director of Desperate Men (1995-present) Richard has performed, written, devised and directed numerous shows & outdoor theatre shows including Slapstick & Slaughter, The Nativity Cycle, Dancing
- [GENERATIONS - Interview with Richard Headon](https://desperatemen.com/generations-interview-richard-headon/) - (RH – Richard Headon, KM – Kate Morrison). KM: Tell me about your new show, Generations! RH: The origins of Generations come from our 40th birthday. Obviously the pandemic interrupted the process of making the show but we’ve kept the flame burning on that and made some very useful partnerships with 5 festivals that
- [PRIVACY POLICY](https://desperatemen.com/privacy-policy/) - This privacy policy is served by Desperate Men. We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold about you. The purpose of this policy is to give you a clear explanation about how we collect and use the information we collect from you directly and from third parties.

## Galleries

- [40 years of Desperation!](https://desperatemen.com/bwg_gallery/cake/)

## Gallery Share

- [Image](https://desperatemen.com/bwg_share/image/)

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