Gently Down The Stream

by Martin Sherman

Beau, a pianist expat living in London, meets Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer, at the dawn of the internet dating revolution. After a life spent recovering from the disappointment and hurt of loving men in a world that refused to allow it, Beau is determined to keep his expectations low with Rufus.

But Rufus comes from a new generation of gay men who believe happiness is as much their right as anyone else's, and what Beau assumed would be just another fling grows into one of the most surprising and defining relationships of his life.

A remarkably moving, brilliantly funny love story, Gently Down the Stream is the latest play from acclaimed playwright Martin Sherman. The play reflects the triumphs and heartbreaks of the entire length of the gay rights movement, celebrating and mourning the ghosts of the men and women who led the way for equality, marriage and the right to dream.

Genres: Plays, LGBT

64 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2017

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather odd to read a play before its world premiere even opens, but also somewhat exciting too. Sherman's latest play is an oddity also, interspersing short, usually two character, scenes with long monologues. Some of it is a bit clunky, as he tries to shoehorn in every conceivable aspect of gay history over the past century, and it's not always an easy fit. But the play does have its charms, being both witty and moving by turns. Not quite sure Harvey Fierstein is perfect casting for the role of Beau, but curious to see what the critics will make of him/this.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit of a kitchen sink of gay history, but I like the way the play emphasises how quickly it all happened, how there are people still alive who witnessed it all, wrapped around a believable, wistful relationship. A perfect complement to Bent, really, as if to say ‘the struggle continues’.

[Colten Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What were my tears for? Were they for all the odd creatures who, even if they dressed in suits and had respectable middle-class jobs, were somehow apart from the center and were in various ways made to pay for it? Or was I crying because that was now possibly over, because we were no longer odd, no longer outlaws, and were now like everyone else? But why would that be something to shed tears over?”

This play is heart-breaking; like so many gay stories are. But, I found myself deeply humbled and grateful for this piece. It’s a story that deals with LGBT themes that tend to be swept under the rug. We see ageism, sexuality, novelty and the power of kinmanship in the wake of discrimination, all in a voice that blends humor and honesty. I’ll be coming back to this one again, and would give my left molar to see a live production.

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of this play (by the playwright who wrote Bent) and read about it in Harvey Fierstein's memoir. It sounded appealing; I always enjoy theater pieces with a possible role for an "older person' like me, and I try hard to introduce our local theater to gay works and to lesser-known works with some quality to them (especially if they have a good role for me!) Gently Down the Stream did not disappoint. It is the story of Beau, an older Southern gentleman living in London, and how his life is completely turned upside down when he becomes involved with the much younger Rufus. Beau is a storyteller and lived through much of the Gay Rights movement from the 60's to present day and he has retained stories and memories that he shares with Rufus, and with us, the audience. That's about it for plot, actually, but the story told is heartbreaking and wonderful. I can imagine how outstanding Harvey must have been in this role. A must for fans of gay history and/or insightful drama.

[David Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet play about a relationship between a 60 something musician ex pat (from New Orleans, living in England) and the 20 something he becomes involved with. Martin Sherman (who wrote "Bent," one of my favorite plays of the past 50 years) does a lovely job making the play both entertaining and a bit of a history lesson.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting play with likable characters and an interesting ending. Feels a little clunky at times, but worth the read!

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the playwright of BENT, a very moving play. The role of Beau is one I'd love to play in the near future!