Have you ever watched something that felt so real that you almost forgot that it wasn’t? That’s exactly how “Shifters” made me feel. It was like witnessing one of the best storytelling experiences in a long time – it was grounded in realism, relatability, and captivation.
“Shifters“, written by Benedict Lombe and directed by Lynette Linton, tells the story of Dre (Tosin Cole) and Des (Heather Agyepong), who navigate between being lovers and friends. Both of African heritage, raised in South London but forced to relocate to North England due to varying circumstances. What starts off as an uncomfortable introduction, blossoms into a tender friendship and bittersweet romance. However, with the waves of grief drowning Des, the weight of commitment becomes unbearable, forcing her to flee the relationship repeatedly, leaving Dre to rebuild his life without her.
I was excited to see “Shifters”, especially given The Bush’s consistent track record of fab shows. The stage, designed by Alex Berry, was minimalist with just a few black packing boxes and strobe light fixtures framing the stark black stage. It was the ideal setup for this play. The writing and performances were so amazing that any additional detail would have felt unnecessary. Alex Berry’s costume design, like the set, was dark and straightforward, complementing Neil Austin’s subtly lit stage. Together, they enhanced the performance without detracting from the exceptional storytelling and acting.
“Shifters” was intricately crafted, seamlessly shifting between past and present without ever feeling confusing. It just flowed naturally.
What I loved about this play was its simplicity. It didn’t rely on fancy props, costumes, or elaborate set designs. Instead, it focused on the raw interactions between the two actors on stage as they bared their souls to each other. We witnessed awkward moments, tender kisses, heartbreak, loss, and the complexities of falling in love. “Shifters” was intricately crafted, seamlessly shifting between past and present without ever feeling confusing. It just flowed naturally.
Beyond the stunning acting, I loved seeing black love; a rarity both on screen and on stage. This wasn’t some caricature or unrealistic depiction, but rather a genuine and relatable portrayal. It felt so authentic that I almost thought I was in their relationship too!
The play also handled grief with remarkable sensitivity. Just like Des, I lost my own mum to cancer, and I deeply connected with her pain. Watching her struggle with her emotions mirrored my own experiences, and it was helpful to see those feelings reflected on stage. “Shifters” felt like therapy, prompting me to confront memories I had long buried. While it was emotionally challenging at times, I believe it served an important purpose, helping audiences confront their own unresolved grief.
Other than the great storytelling, the acting was amazing. It felt so real that you felt like a fly on the wall witnessing a real-life relationship unravel over time. Both Tosin and Heather were hilarious when they needed to be and sad when they had no choice but to be. I loved their chemistry; it was organic and beautiful.
Tosin Cole was brilliant. He was vulnerable, honest, and clearly wore his heart on his sleeve. It was so refreshing to finally see a young black man being allowed to fall deep in love, show sadness without feeling judged, and laugh out of happiness – we just don’t see that enough.
Heather Agyepong was also fantastic. She was very funny, witty, and brave. She made me feel frustrated, smile, and laugh. I loved witnessing a young black woman being loved, desired, and appreciated. Although this should be a given, we rarely get the opportunity to see this on stage.
I have no criticisms for “Shifters.” It’s going on my list of favourite rom-coms I’ve seen. The acting was some of the best I’ve seen, the directing was spot-on, and the story was beautiful. I could watch the play on repeat!
This play will blow you away! It will unlock all your emotions, and most importantly, it will make you fall in love with both Dre and Des.
Need to know: Shifters plays at Bush Theatre until 30 March 2024
