The extraordinary story of Jimmy Lee in The Runaway

While in the Navy, he suffered brutal ‘cuts’ from drunken officers when he was sent to the notorious HMS Ganges. The next six years passed with regular naval detentions, exhausting punishments, solitary confinements, ending with a twelve month sentence in the infamous HMP Corradino, Malta. He was subsequently dismissed from the service and returned to civilian life.

His extraordinary story is told through heartfelt song and emotive music in his stage show The Runaway which he brings to the Under Ground Theatre on Saturday April 30 at 8pm - tickets £12.50 or £10 for UGT members or students.

His has been a life of music with a distinctive voice and folk/country style which was later to find a home during his travels in the USA. He took his first steps towards a music career in the embryonic London folk scene, existing by day in a shared house with Cliff Aungier at 42 Heber Road in Cricklewood, – Alex Campbell, Roy Harper, Gerry Lochran, Johnny Silvo, Derek Brimstone, Ralph McTell, Ron Geesin et al. In that hallowed company he cut his performing teeth playing for beer and bed in the capital’s back street blues and folk clubs.

Jimmy Lee’s songs and life story come together in a show – with Jimmy, his guitar, wonderful songs and narrative linked to projected images that give you a personal insight into one of the most incredible life stories you are ever likely to hear. Great stories told in lyrics woven in beautiful melodies.

His very own style of music, verse and lyrics reflect upon a life full of adventures, triumphs and tragedies, evoke powerful emotions that run deep. Most of his songs are autobiographical and display an honesty that only a self-assured and unashamed person could reveal.