Battieman Blues
Oscar Watson
Genre: Drama
Cast size: 2
Duration: 90 mins approx
Oscar Watson | Drama | Mid-length | 2m
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
- Reviews
This play was first produced at The National Theatre (The Lillian Baylis Theatre), with Idris Elba as Paul and Andrew Douglas as Lloyd.
Paul does not identify as gay because all he knows are stereotypes of feminised men, but he does have sex with them. For him; sex with white gay men devalues them but doesn't affect him until he encounters Lloyd and follows him home.
This is a new set of experiences for Paul who is used to getting his way with the men he encounters. When Lloyd turns out to be unimpressed by Paul's machismo, Paul becomes abusive. Lloyd accidentally knocks Paul out, ties him up and is able to lecture him when he revives. Paul confesses the truth of his sexuality and fears about how 'giving in' would affect his masculinity.
The final act happens after a night where the two have sex together. Paul is elated until challenged by Lloyd to make changes in his lifestyle and to live truthfully. There is a big test involving the milkman(!) and the play ends with Paul calling his girlfriend...
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