The circuit works in real life, pin 6 starts the led, pin 2 stops the led.
For a working version of the circuit refer to a design by BillyT http://everycircuit.com/circuit/6267963526610944
BillyT commented that in real life stray capacitance can make the circuit work. Stray capacitance can be found in the wire between parts of the circuit & or the circuit board / breadboard the circuit is built on, even the humidity in the air can affect the performance. To see a working circuit look at YouTube (Julian Ilett) Julian's Logic: 555 Logic Functions Julian Ilett 12,080 views
