SIZE OF COMPANY
4–8 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Various

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Directors
Jon Beedell
Richie Smith

Creative Producer
Richard Headon

Musical Director
Shirley Pegna

Administrator
Ursula Wills-Jones

ARTISTIC POLICY
Desperate Men creates accessible, original, provocative and comic street theatre and large-scale collaborations with other artists. The company aims to challenge perceptions, amicably disrupt and entertain. Desperate Men promises never to juggle, ride unicycles or eat fire.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
'You are all completely bonkers and sublimely talented. Good luck with the milking.' A Punter, Abergavenny Food Festival

'Zen and the Art of Street Theatre no less… works wonderfully well.' Total Theatre (Rick, Dick and Vic – Extreme)

'Exquisite comic timing ,tremendous energy and vivacious performance.' Total Theatre Magazine (The Miracle Show)

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Miracle Show A family of migrants tell their stories and present a plethora of mini miracles, including the madonna who spurts vodka. (40 mins, 5 actors, static outdoor show including yurt and truck)

The Bear’s Heart Visit the van, hear the story of the Bear’s Heart, be regaled with food, song and drink, enter the magic forest and meet the bear! (60–90 mins, 3 actors and truck, static outdoor show)

Karaoke Taxi Welsh Latvian taxi driver tours the town, inviting the public to take turns singing karaoke classics through the taxi’s sound system. (3 x 45 mins, 1–2 actors)

Dancing Bear Cheese 103% organic! Fabulous spoof food product. Taste the bears’ cheese, find out how the former dancing bears are given anti-dancing therapy. (2 hour blocks, 4 actors)

Kippered Banished from their cosy smokery, the kipper twins wander the streets, searching for a place to puff. (3 x 40 mins, 2 actors)

The Film Crew With a big star, the crew involves the audience, creating hilarious interactions. (45 mins, usually 3 times in a day, 3–5 actors)

Pirates! Authentically horrible historical misfits – loveable musical rogues. (3 x 45 mins, 4 actors)

Rubbish Heads Smartly suited men discard and collect artistic refuse. (3 x 45 mins, 4 actors)

FUTURE PRODUCTION
The Severn Project A two year, site-specific project celebrating the heritage of the River Severn. In conjunction with Shropshire County Council. Currently in research and development.

WRAP-AROUND ACTIVITY
Workshops/projects/talks linked with each element of the company’s work.

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2006 Croatia, Italy (team-building projects)

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Details on request.