SHIFTERS

Image credit — Craig Fuller

Shifters by Benedict Lombe

Holloway Theatre comes alive with the soft glow of blue and white lights as Dre(am) and Des(tiny) effortlessly welcome us into their mesmerising love story. With twists and turns that defy convention, Lombe's exquisite writing paired with Linton's meticulous direction, and spellbinding performances by Cole and Agyepong leave the audience in awe.

At the age of 32, Dre (Tosin Cole) and Des (Heather Agyepong) find themselves brought back together by the passing of Dre's grandmother, ending an eight-year estrangement filled with unspoken words and significant changes. Over the course of 100 minutes, a tapestry of swift yet seamless flashbacks unfold, spanning from their first encounter in a Philosophy class aged 16 to poignant moments throughout their lives, culminating in a present-day scene at a community centre in Crewe.

Dre, a laid-back British-Nigerian with a penchant for cooking, and Des, a middle-class British-Congolese, daughter of a neurologist, hail from different parts of London. Their contrasting backgrounds are trivial compared to the profound love that binds them. The pair seamlessly merge into one another, their memories reshaping our perception of their reality - words and actions intertwining, articulating emotions that defy verbal expression. And, as their reconnection unfolds, we witness the challenges of their relationship, from nostalgic scents to empty graduation seats, Lombe delicately explors themes of grief, abuse, and neglect.

Despite the weighty subject matters, the play exudes an electrifying energy, punctuated by moments of humour that engage the audience. With a more moderately paced opening, the passion and intensity of the pairs romance soon set the rhythm, propelled by Linton's masterful interpretation of Lombe's text.

Alex Berry's minimalist set, characterised by a sleek black floor and strategically placed boxes, provides a symbolic backdrop for the narrative, seamlessly facilitating transitions between past and present. Reminiscent of Nick Payne's "Constellations," the play encourages introspection, challenging conventional notions of fate and the impact of choice on our lives. 

Ultimately, Shifters is a poignant celebration of love's complexity and resilience, brought to life through captivating performances and thought-provoking storytelling. Tosin Cole's portrayal of Dre radiates with passion, humour, and vulnerability, while Heather Agyepong’s performance as Des is nothing short of extraordinary.

Shifters is a play that transcends the boundaries of a typical romantic comedy, delivering an unforgettable theatrical experience that resonates deeply with audiences.

By Eniola Edusi.

★★★★☆

Shifters is showing at Bush Theatre until 30 March.