Richie Smith

Founder member of Desperate Men. Director, Ecologist, Percussionist.

I’m a very experienced theatre practitioner – as performer, writer, teacher and as a director for circus, large scale outdoor events and indoor theatre. Before moving to Cornwall 5 years ago to work with the Penwith Landscape Partnership as their Practical Tasks Officer, I lived in Bristol, latterly working with Avon Wildlife Trust, but maintained a firm foot in the theatrical world.

I co-founded Desperate Men Theatre Company in 1980 and, without writing a full CV I suggest you visit https://desperatemen.com/about-us/ for more info about me (although its a little out of date!). I changed career in 2003, moving into wildlife conservation and worked for The National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Environmental Record Centre and The Cotswolds AONB.

Relevant stuff that’s missing is my relationship with AndNow: (https://andnow.co.uk/) as performer, maker and workshop leader on their ‘Wayfaring’ project 2016 – 2018; and the fact that I wrote and directed The Iguanodon Restaurant for Emerald Ant in Dorset in 2016 (https://emeraldant.com/iguanodon-restaurant/); and my shining achievement – working with the legendary Bramble FM.

I live in St. Just and I am looking to reconnect with my theatrical roots after the Penwith Landscape Partnership finishes (a 5 year lottery funded project) in June 2023.

I also have a solo project – Cymbalology (https://cymbalology.wordpress.com/) which I am very interested in bringing to any festivals or events where there are trees…

I also make the  award winning Trinity Cider with my fellow Cider maker Deekey McLuckie.