A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh, and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 42-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 10-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda.

In episode one, Free-Fall, Free Food, Hector has trouble with an unsympathetic job advisor and his callous landlady, and ends up having to resort to using the food bank, where a fiery encounter with an aggressive customer leaves Hector battered and bruised, literally and metaphorically. When acid tongued ex-partner Amanda pours oil on the flames by threatening to take custody of William, Hector is left in a fragile state. Thankfully caring, thoughtful neighbour Susan is there to help keep Hector’s head above water.

The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness.

Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh

Cast
Hector- Jamie Sives
Susan- Rosalind Sydney
Amanda- Gail Watson
William- Raffi Phillips
Thresher- Steven McNicoll
Cleaver- Anita Vettesse
Man- Gordon Kennedy

Studio Engineer and Editor- Lee McPhail
Production Manager- Tayler Norris
Title Music- Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan
Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy

Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian

An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 Show less