Jim’s always been a bit of a character, just like his Dad, and spends most of his life between the bookies, the pub and the football. He’s always had this lingering feeling though that he doesn’t quite fit into this world, that there’s something different about him, something wrong…

Jim’s never told his story to anyone before, but tonight he’s going to tell it to you…

Written by Chris O’Connor, performed by Simon James Bailie, directed by Rod Dixon and produced by Jen Sullivan.

The Life and Soul is a one man play starring Simon James Bailie, written by Chris O’Connor and directed by Rod Dixon.

Jim is in his home environment, the pub. With a pint in hand Jim tells the audience his story from early adulthood right through to his last moments. Witty, warm and likeable Jim pulls us into his story before it begins to get darker as the realities of modern day life begin to have a profound impact on Jim’s state of mind. But Jim is a bloke. And blokes don’t go through these things…

Jim’s story is an all too tragically common story of someone suffering through their mental health issues in silence and the tragic consequences that occur as a result of this.

Chris O’Connor was moved to write the play after going through his own troubles and finding out that there was a huge problem of suicide among young men and that the problem is worsening. Chris said, ‘Jim’s story is sadly emblematic of what a growing number of young men go through on a daily basis and unfortunately a large number of those men see suicide as the only option. I felt compelled to write something about this and passionately want to raise awareness for people that they don’t have to go down that path, that there is help out there, that they are not alone. It is a play I felt I had to write.’

Chris O’Connor – Writer

Chris is a Leeds based writer who writes for stage, television, radio and film. His work has been produced for The Lyric Theatre, the Southwark Playhouse, the Park Theatre and BBC Radio 4 amongst various other venues and platforms. His writing tends to focus on unheard voices and he has a keen interest in the stories and characters that inhabit places like pubs and betting shops, both fascinating melting pots of drama. He likes to write stories that can challenge opinions, make people see things differently and show a world people might not have seen before - and if he can make people laugh on the way then everyone’s a winner.

Simon James Bailie – Performer

Simon trained at Rose Bruford. Recent new writing credits include the critically acclaimed STATELESS with Kali Theatre Company at Tristan Bates Theatre, KISSING GHOSTS & OFFICE POLITICS both at Theatre503 and MAN IN THE MOON for The Miniaturists at Arcola Theatre. Other recent credits include Macduff in MACBETH, to add to several other Shakespeare roles including; Tranio (THE TAMING OF THE SHREW), Ferdinand (THE TEMPEST) and Romeo (ROMEO & JULIET.) Simon has also recently collaborated, and played the role of Sean, on the Buglight Theatre Company R&D process of MARCHING ON EMBERS, also written by Chris O'Connor & directed by Rod Dixon.

Jen Sullivan - Producer

Jen Sullivan is a freelance Producer who works with a number of artists across the UK as well as with Red Ladder Theatre Company on their Northern Social Circuit Tour. She has commissioned work for festivals, venues, local authorities and non-arts organisations amongst others from huge open-air events to small gallery installations in a public library.