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DESPERATE MEN / Image: Darwin and the Dodo at the Natural History Museum / Photographer: Steve Berry/Desperate Men

Image: Darwin and the Dodo at the Natural History Museum
Photographer: Steve Berry/Desperate Men

DESPERATE MEN

Physical/visual theatre|Interactive animations|Site-specific outdoor theatre

SIZE OF COMPANY
2–5 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Small to medium

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Directors
Jon Beedell
Richie Smith
Creative Producer
Richard Headon
Musical Director
Shirley Pegna
Company Manager
Ursula Wills-Jones

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

REVIEW EXTRACTS
Exquisite comic timing, tremendous energy and vivacious performance.
Total Theatre Magazine (The Miracle Show)
The best load of rubbish I've seen this year - would definitely recommend them.
Arts Officer, Portsmouth City Council (The Rubbish Heads)
You are all completely bonkers and sublimely talented. Good luck with the milking.
Audience member, Abergavenny Food Festival

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Darwin and the Dodo
Mr Darwin and his companion, the last living dodo, ponder the mysteries of evolution. Marking the Bicentenary of Charles Darwin’s birth. School version available.
Pirates!
Authentically horrible historical misfits – loveable musical rogues.  
Eco-Pirates
These scurvy rogues arrive by boat to bury treasure on the beach – but is it just rubbish? Suitable for adults and children alike.
The Film Crew
With a big star, the crew involves the audience, creating hilarious interactions.
Karoake Taxi
Welsh Latvian taxi driver tours the town, inviting the public to take turns singing karaoke classics through the taxi’s sound system.
Dancing Bear Cheese
103% organic! Fabulous spoof food product. Taste the bear’s cheese, find out how former dancing bears receive anti-dancing therapy.
Rubbish Heads
Smartly suited men discard and collect artistic refuse.

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

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2008 Hong Kong: Darwin and the Dodo
2007 Beirut, Lebanon: Rubbish Heads
2007 Italy: Pipe People

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Details on request