The full cast for the UK première of Martin Sherman’s new play Gently Down The Stream has been announced.
Directed by Sean Mathias, the cast will be Jonathan Hyde (Beau), Ben Allen (Rufus) and Harry Lawtey (Harry).
Coming across the pond following a successful run at the Public Theater in New York, this moving and brilliantly funny story centres on the romantic relationship between Beau, an older American pianist living in London, and Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer.
Coming of age during the 70s, Beau’s attitude to love has been deeply affected by a life of loving men in a world that initially refused to allow it. Beau isn’t looking for a long-term relationship and is cautious when Rufus enters his life, especially with such a big age gap between them. But Rufus isn’t bothered by it and has no doubts about the relationship, having grown up as part of a new generation of gay men. As Rufus assimilates himself into Beau’s past and present, can Beau learns to embrace Rufus as one of the most defining relationships of his life? As generations intertwine, Gently Down The Stream reveals the journey of gay history and celebrates the men and women who led the way for equality, marriage and the right to dream.
The show’s writer, Martin, is an Olivier, BAFTA and Tony Award nominee, and this production will form part of the celebrations for his 80th birthday. This isn’t the first time that Martin and Sean have worked together. Sean has previously directed the film adaptation of one of Martin’s other iconic plays, Bent.
As well as being a theatre director, Sean is also a writer and film director. He’s previously worked on productions across the UK and in the West End (including at the National Theatre), as well as on Broadway, in Paris, Sydney, Cape Town, Johannesburg and San Francisco. His production of No Man’s Land, starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, was the highest grossing play in the history of the Wyndham’s Theatre. He has won multiple awards including the Standard Award, the Critics’ Circle Award, a Fringe First at Edinburgh and the Prix de la Jeunesse at Cannes.
Gently Down The Stream will run at the Park Theatre from 18 February until 16 March. Previews will take place from 13 February.