PJ Smith
PJ Smith, who performs as Roy, was born in North Liverpool.
His deft, articulate and startlingly observed stories veer from the comic to the calamitous in a breath, cutting to the quick of the broad swathe of people and personalities that comprise his native city, from struggling parents to small-time criminals, pent-up white-collar workers to drinkers long lost to the ale.
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PJ's deft, articulate and startlingly observed stories veer from the comic to the calamitous in a breath, cutting to the quick of the broad swathe of people and personalities that comprise his native city, from struggling parents to small-time criminals, pent-up white-collar workers to drinkers long lost to the ale. PJ’s eye is as keen as it is generous, presenting, in the great tradition of English realism, the real lives of people up against it in all sorts of ways, muddling through, trying to make the best of it. His first publication under the moniker 'Roy', Algorithm Party, came out on Rough Trade Editions in 2020.
PJ performs live as Roy and is resident at Liverpool's La Violette Società. He appears on BBC Radio 6 Music, Soho Radio and lends a vocal narrative to the title track of Paul Heaton’s “Manchester Calling” album. In 2021/22 he toured as the support act for Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott. He collects discarded handwritten notes, loves Portuguese custard tarts and aspires to live in The Barbican.
Books
| Algorithm Party Writer | Algorithm Party - Writer | Rough Trade Editions | 2020 |
News
Podcast Guest Appearances
| Straight From The Off with PJ Smith Straight From The Off welcomes PJ Smith to the Podcast. PJ talks about his young life as a promising footballer who went off the rails, and his present where he helps people with drink and drug problems (from which he suffered himself) and his work with Premier League teams to explain the pitfalls of life and the realities if you don’t make it as a pro.  |  |
| The Reset by Sam Delaney PJ Smith's stories are powerful and funny depictions of real life. Unpretentious, down to earth and smart as hell, PJ has incredible insights to men, mental health, sobriety and getting your act together. |  |
| Two-shot podcast with Roy ‘Roy’ reads an excerpt from his recently published book of short stories, ‘Algorithm Party’ (available to buy on Rough Trade) and talks about acceptance, grief, addiction, recovery, creativity and so much more. Just to warn you, this episode touches on certain sensitive subjects such as suicide, addiction and contains very strong language. |  |
| Life Goals with Theo Delaney - Roy (part 1) Theo Delaneys guest is the writer and storyteller Roy whose compelling spoken word rperformances are drawing rapidly growing audiences up and down the country. Roy was on Evertons books before his dissolute ways put an end to his football career. Now clean, sober and widely acclaimed he remains a passionate fan of the Toffees. This is part one of two. |  |
| Life Goals with Theo Delaney - Roy (part 2) Theo Delaneys guest is the writer and storyteller Roy whose compelling spoken word rperformances are drawing rapidly growing audiences up and down the country. Roy was on Evertons books before his dissolute ways put an end to his football career. Now clean, sober and widely acclaimed he remains a passionate fan of the Toffees. This is part two of two. | |