Draft:Jonathan Hugh Beedell

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Jonathan Hugh Beedell

Jonathan Hugh Beedell, commonly known as Jon B., was a versatile artist excelling as a performer, writer, director, and musician. Notably, he co-founded the Desperate Men Theatre Company where he played a crucial role in producing, managing, writing, devising, and performing in all of the company's productions and events.

Jon Beedell, Copenhagan 2018

Beliefs and Work Ethic

Jon B. eschewed modern technological distractions, preferring the raw energy of live performances and human connection over screens and digital communication. He firmly believed in the transformative power of street theatre, viewing it as a vehicle for societal change by fostering community bonds, reclaiming public spaces, and inspiring active participation.

Early Life

Born on July 7, 1952, at St. Brenda’s Nursing Home in Clifton, Jon spent his formative years in Bristol. His childhood was marked by explorations around the bomb site on Granby Hill, Hotwells, playful interactions with neighboring children, and memorable family holidays in places like Caldey Island and Devon. His upbringing, under the influence of psychologist parents, instilled in him a blend of political awareness and creative curiosity.

Jon learned to sail on the Erme estuary with his father and joined the sea scouts based at the floating harbor, where he honed his knotting skills, which proved useful throughout his life. In his older age, he cherished sailing on the Agnes and, in 2021, on the Pellew, a large pilot cutter from Falmouth, around the Western Isles.

Jon attended Christchurch School until age eight, when he was offered a place at Bristol Grammar School. Here, he was caned and punished for wearing less-than-white plimsolls, among other infractions, and earned the nicknames 'Bumble' and 'Son of Shrink.'

Jonathan later attended Henbury Comprehensive School, now Blaise High School, from 1967 to 1969, where he demonstrated his political activism by founding 'The 6th Form Alliance' with Mark Harrington, a fellow creative and co-conspirator. They campaigned against the selection of prefects by the Headmaster. Eventually, Jon was ‘asked to leave’ Henbury for having ‘the wrong attitude’. He finished his schooling at Ashton Park, an altogether kinder institution.

He continued his education at Bradford College of Art from 1970 to 1972, immersing himself in an environment known for its creative freedom. Under the guidance of Albert Hunt, Jon explored Arts Foundation and Film Theatre and TV, channeling much of his energy into refining his piano skills. It was during this time that he crossed paths with influential figures like Jeff Nuttall and Roland Miller, whose mentorship left a lasting imprint on Jon's approach to performance art. In 1971, as part of Bradford College of Arts' film, theatre, and TV program, Jon collaborated with the Cyclamen Cyclists, igniting his passion for street arts that would endure for over four decades. Back in Bristol, various bands were formed including Hengis Pod and Skywhale, with Pete Ridsdale, Pete Brandt, John Clowry, and Roy Dodds, drummer for Fairground Attraction. Jon became involved with Crystal Theatre Co., embarking on a journey to Amsterdam where he crossed paths with Richie Smith, further expanding his artistic horizons.

Career

In 1980, alongside Richie Smith, Jon founded The Desperate Men Theatre Company, a pioneering entity in the realm of street theatre. Their groundbreaking productions, including appearances in Vivian Stanshall and Ki Longfellow-Stanshall's The Thekla, Old Profanity Showboat production of Stinkfoot, a Comic Opera in 1985 solidified their status as innovators in the field. The company forged partnerships with a diverse array of collaborators, including Cirque Bijou, Pa-Boom, Avanti Display, Circomedia, Circus Space, Bristol Old Vic Circus School, Pervasive Media Studio, Igfest, Gloucestershire Dance, The Roses Theatre Tewkesbury, Pickled Image, The Cube Cinema, Soundbeam, Blackout Arts, Leo Bassi, Mummerandada, Kneehigh, Footsbarn, Ra Ra Zoo, Circus Burlesque, No Fit State Circus, Green Ginger, Disco Sister, Angela de Castro, Sean Gandini, Dark Horse, and The World Famous Firework Company, among numerous others.

Venturing beyond the UK, Jon collaborated with prestigious groups like Footsbarn Theatre and toured Portugal, an experience that left an indelible mark on him.

His career trajectory was marked by diverse experiences, from stage managing at the Jazz Café in Camden Town, London to teaching at Companhia do Chapitô in Lisbon. Jon's dedication to his craft and cross-cultural exploration underscored his commitment to artistic expression.

In 1999 he co-directed 'A Odisseia' at the 5th edition of the Festival Internacional de Teatro Cómico da Maia, and then moved on to produce a Portuguese version of The Fountain, a DM production, with Teatro do Mar in Sines, in the year 2000. He also worked with the Gazua street theatre company, a theatre company founded by one of his students at Chapitô, and worked as a stage director for the Estremoz Ciência Festival, Ciência na Rua for their 2013 science festival, where he directed the show Factor E.

His final documented endeavor was as an actor in the folk-horror short film "Imogen" by Kevin Figes, a production presented in affectionate memory of Jon Beedell. He also appeared in the film Washed Up by Nathan Hughes, a look into 'How, and why, do two very different veterans of the outdoor arts sector, manage to keep making vital street theatre together, when they are often at each other's throats'.

Personal Life

Jonathan Beedell's personal life was intricately woven with his artistic pursuits. His deep affection for Portugal, especially the Alentejo region, became a cornerstone of his identity. In 1985, alongside his partner Caroline, whom he collaborated with during his time with Footsbarn, Jon had his daughter Lotte, who was raised in Portugal. Notably, Caroline already had a daughter named Amy, who Jon embraced as his stepdaughter, despite no formal legal ties. In 1993, Jon welcomed his son Billy into the family with his then-partner Veronica.

Death

In his final months, Jon shortly resided in Hereford with his partner Phillipa before his passing on December 11, 2022. His legacy endures through his artistic contributions and the fond memories shared by those touched by his work.

References

Desperate Men Theatre Company - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desperate_Men_Theatre_Company

Desperate Men Theatre Company Official Website - https://desperatemen.com/

"Washed Up" Film Official Website - http://www.washedupfilm.com/

"Washed Up" Film on FilmFreeway - https://filmfreeway.com/WashedUp-1

Total Theatre Magazine Article - https://totaltheatre.org.uk/jon-beedell-rip-making-mincemeat-of-flimsy-reality/

BBC Program - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03jv9px

Outdoor Arts UK Article - https://outdoorartsuk.org/2022/12/jon-beedell/

Bristol247 Review - https://www.bristol247.com/culture/theatre/review-slapstick-and-slaughter-wardrobe-bristol/

Companies House Director Information - https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/-kUZZS6OgS2wyjNVVeaUn2p6jKo/appointments

Bristol Ensemble Event - https://bristolensemble.com/event/imogen-short-film-premiere/

Devoted and Disgruntled Blog Post - https://www.devotedanddisgruntled.com/blog/politically-relevant-theatre-making-jon-beedell-desperate-men

Teatro Art'Imagem Event - https://www.teatroartimagem.org/55-a-odisseia