SHIFTERS

Image credit: Marc Brenner

The Duke of York’s theatre is the now home to Benedict Lombe’s, Shifters — transferred to the West End, following a sold-out and highly praised run at the Bush Theatre. Love is the backdrop for Lombe’s masterpiece, a furiously relatable kind of love. The kind that has you swinging your legs under your seat one moment, and wiping away tears the next.

Des (Heather Agyepong) and Dre (Tosin Cole) are the bearers of this story, as we’re taken on a graceful but whirlwind 100-minute journey of friendship, grief, adolescence, and love. Their story begins at school, where Des, a determined British-Congolese artist, and Dre, a cheeky British-Nigerian aspiring restaurateur, first cross paths in the school debating society.

Their initial interactions are marked with the warming curiosity and giddiness of young love. A slow, but deliberate friendship blooms, with Linton’s direction allowing for a pace that builds and brings the promise of something more. Shifters flits back and forth jumping between milestones in the pair’s history. From graduation ceremonies in their 20s to funerals in their 30s, changing environments and families - the pair’s relationship is what holds all things together, pulling us into what is a truly magical tale of second-chance love.

Lombe’s writing glimmers with authenticity and nostalgia. It excels not in exaggerative displays of love, but in a subtle-human form - with her words capturing both the beauty and complexities of relationships. It’s a joy to see Lombe’s Congolese heritage woven into the play and brought to life through Heather Agyepong's performance—as we hear the smooth beats of Papa Wemba, and are introduced to the Congolese dish of ngai ngai.

Much of the play revolves around the dialogue between the two characters, covering a broad spectrum of topics from philosophical musings on choice, to their dreams for the future. Humour flows effortlessly throughout, with Lombe’s sharp wit combined with the pair’s cheeky delivery, eliciting an abundance of laughter from the audience. 

Tosin Cole brings a relaxed, almost second-skin quality to his role, with his nuanced expressions—whether in moments of grief or love—feeling deeply authentic. Heather Agyepong is an equally compelling presence, filling the stage with passion, spirit, and vulnerability.

Shifters is the love story we've been waiting for—tender, intimate, and deeply moving. It’s a tale that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, with a chemistry that transcends the stage and fills it with soul. Lombe’s writing, rich in subtlety and nostalgia, paired with powerful performances, creates a deeply human narrative that explores first-loves, friendship, and second chances. Shifters explores the rich tapestry of relationships with a depth that both engages the mind and touches the heart.

★★★★★

By Shore Delano