Award-winning actor Idris Elba, broadcaster and entrepreneur Maya Jama and Brit Award and Mercury Prize-winning musician and actor Little Simz are announced today as producers for the West End Transfer of Bush Theatre’s smash hit production of Shifters.

These powerhouse names from across the worlds of stage, television, film and music join forces with Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Chuchu Nwagu Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions to bring Benedict Lombe’s intoxicating new romance to London’s West End following its sold out run at  the Bush Theatre earlier this year. Directed by Lynette Linton, the play runs for a strictly limited 9 week season with previews from 12 August, the official opening night on 21 August and running until 12 October.

Idris Elba says:

“This play is so well written by Benedict Lombe and so well performed by Heather Agyepong and Tosin Cole we feel very very privileged to be a part of its transition into the West End.” 

Maya Jama says:

“I’m so excited to be a part of bringing Benedict Lombe’s beautiful play, SHIFTERS, to the West End. I fell in love with the play the moment I read it – I feel like I know these characters, I know their story, and it’s also really wonderful to be able to see yourself represented in art, that’s the most important part of it. I really hope you fall in love with these characters and their journey as much as I have.”

Little Simz adds:

“I first saw Shifters at the Bush Theatre on the last night of the run. I was moved to tears by this play. Tosin and Heather spoke Benedict’s words with such conviction and truth. Their performances were exceptional. I’m so glad it’s showing again in the West End as this is a really important story that needs to be told. Get your tickets now before it’s too late!”

Producers Eleanor Lloyd, Chuchu Nwagu and Sonia Friedman comment:

“We are so thrilled to welcome these three brilliant and unique creatives into the Shifters producing family. Idris, Maya, and Simz all represent the top tier of British talent from the worlds of acting, music, fashion, broadcasting and so much more. Each of them brings something special to the table, and share our passion and excitement for seeing Bene’s beautiful play take its rightful place in the West End.” 

Shifters is this summer’s sizzling romantic stage play starring Heather Agyepong (Amazon’s The Power; School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play, Lyric Hammersmith) and Tosin Cole, star of Netflix’s hit new release Supacell and BBC’s Doctor Who. Both reprise their electrifying performances, which received critical acclaim in the original Bush Theatre production, at the Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London.

Previews for Shifters commence on Monday 12 August with tickets from £20. For the first four weeks of the production, 50% of tickets will be available at £40 or under. Audiences will also have the opportunity to experience the production from the intimacy of the stage with on-stage seating for every performance.

This epic and universal love story is about the enduring power of memory and first love. Meet Dre and Des, they are young, gifted, Black. He stayed. She left. Years later they come crashing back into each other’s lives, carrying new secrets and old scars. Caught in the space between memory and reality, they struggle to navigate the shifting borders that threaten to rewrite their past and reshape their future.

Shifters’ transfer to the Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London marks a ground-breaking moment for Benedict Lombe who follows in the footsteps of Natasha Gordon (Nine Night) and Yasmin Joseph (J’Ouvert) as the third Black British female playwright to have her play staged in the history of the West End.

Set and Costume Design by Alex Berry, Lighting Design by Neil Austin, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Composition by Xana, Movement and Intimacy Direction by Shelley Maxwell, Production Dramaturg is Deirdre O’Halloran, Voice Coach is Joel Trill and Casting by Heather Basten CDG.

Shifters was originally commissioned by Bush Theatre, supported by Jerwood Foundation.

https://shifterstheplay.co.uk/