The last decade has seen a growing conversation about men’s mental Health, and an awareness that the power of men talking about how they feel can and does save lives. Yet still in 2022 suicide was the biggest killer of men under 50.
On a dark night, Jacob (Tom Gibbons) stands on a motorway bridge, wrong side of the railings. Liam (Dean Smith), an off duty paramedic happens to walk past. One man who’s job it is to save people and one who has come to a moment in his life where he needs to be saved. What follows is an unexpected conversation, a purging of fears and regrets, as they finally open up about what has brought them to this moment and discover whether the time they spent together on the bridge might change them both forever.
Bridge is a pitch black comedy about the fragility of men trying to survive 21st century life. Exploring the pressures and challenges they face, the detrimental effect on their mental health and the power of talking to someone.
Bridge is written and directed by Sarah Nelson. The role of Jacob will be played by Tom Gibbons and Liam by Dean Smith.
Tom Gibbons, born and raised in Leeds, has been working in TV and theatre for 15 years. Credits include Doctor Who, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, The Driver, Body Farm, and The Archers.
Dean Smith, a proud Yorkshireman, plays William Elliot in Last Tango In Halifax. Other credits include Waterloo Road, Still Open All Hours, Emmerdale, The Village and The Great Train Robbery. He was the face of Yorkshire Tea for 3 years.
Sarah Nelson is a playwright from Oldham. Her plays include Letter To Boddah, The Secret Of Christmas Eve, Prom, Planet B and On The Shoulders of Giants. She was one of BBC’s Northern Voices for 2020 during which she completed her first commission for BBC, What would you do Friday?
