Shifters at the Duke of York’s Theatre

On the front of the playbill, Shifters is described as “a fierce new romance”. And while it most certainly delivers as such, it is also so much more. Written by Congolese British writer Benedict Lombe and directed by Lynette Linton, the play follows childhood friends and sometimes lovers Des and Dre, tracing the intricacies of their relationship in a non-linear order.

With the play’s storyline playing out between both past and present, each different time frame is marked by clever changes in lighting and guiding first and second-person narration from the protagonists. The audience is first introduced to Des and Dre, (expertly played by Heather Agyepong and Supacell’s Tosin Cole respectively), when they awkwardly yet affectionately reunite at a wake after eight years apart. We are then led through a non-chronological history of their relationship, from their first meeting to their first kiss and many moments in between.

Filled with witty dialogue, as well as speeches that will bring tears to the eye, Shifters strikes the perfect balance in tone. The chemistry between Des and Dre (Agyepong and Cole) is unmatched, as their conversations and moods with one another flow seamlessly from lighthearted to impassioned, gentle to sharp-tongued, jovial to joyless. They speak about things like music, food, art, the end of the world and the existence of aliens. But they also delve into their respective experiences of losing family members to illness and suicide, parental abandonment, sexual assault and the difficulties of trans-continental relationships.

When asked about her impetus to write this play and why it is a “story for the now”, Lombe discussed how the traits of complexity and tenderness are ones that are “often denied from dark-skinned Black characters”. Shifters takes two dark-skinned, Black British characters and embraces them in all of their nuance, presenting audiences with a clever, funny and deeply touching story of a multifaceted love.

Madison Sotos
Photos: Marc Brenner

Shifters is at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 12^th October 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.