SHIFTERS Review: AN EXQUISITE AND VIGOROUS ROMANCE

Benedict Lombe’s new Romantic Comedy is a stunning interpretation of how a first-time love can impact one’s future. 

★★★★☆

Lombe has made history as only the third Black British woman to have a play on the West End stage. She has created a story about love, connection, and struggle that has been woven together with such finesse that it will have your eyes glued to the Duke of York’s stage from the beginning to the end. 

Lombe’s writing is nothing short of breathtaking. She flawlessly weaves the complex timelines and lives of Des and Dre. This allows the characters to shift between flashbacks and their roles as narrators with immaculate elegance. It makes the story feel alive and helps carry the audience through while never falling short of the emotional center. The dialogue is sharp, poetic, and hysterical. There were times that I found myself laughing and crying at the same time. 

Lynette Linton’s direction really brings the story to life. She is able to capture the emotional weight of the flashbacks while also guiding Des and Dre as narrators. This is nothing short of perfection. It brings a sense of fluidity in a way as the story shifts through time. It ensures that the emotional resonance of each scene hits the mark. The chemistry between the characters is solid, and Linton’s direction allows Heather Agyepong and Tonsin Cole to shine in their respective roles. 

Along with the interpretation by Linton, Shelly Maxwell’s movement cannot go unnoticed. It is a crisp, raw, and beautifully synchronized movement that captures the physicality of the actors as they move around the small space on stage. It more or less feels essential. It grounds the narrative in the body as much as in the dialogue. Maxwell helps connect the moments of tension, love, and pain that the text alone cannot. 

While the set design is pretty basic, I must recognize Neil Austin’s stunning lighting design. The use of tubular lighting with changing colors adds a dynamic visual texture. It sets the mood of each scene with precision. Whether it is the warm hues of intimacy or the stark contrasts of conflict, Austin has made choices that enhance the emotional landscape of the play. One particularly impressive choice is the way the lighting signal shifts in the narrative structure; the characters step out of the action and address the audience (as a narrator) and address the audience directly.

Of course, I saved the best for last. This play lies in two incredible performances by Heather Agyepong as Des and Tonsin Cole as Dre. The two deliver nothing short of a masterclass in stagecraft. Agyepong’s portrayal of Des is filled with vulnerability, strength, and a raw emotional depth that is riveting to watch. Cole as Dre is equally stunning. He brings a quiet intensity that perfectly compliments Agyepong’s perfection. Together, they create a dynamic that is utterly mesmerizing. They basically have the audience hooked for 100 minutes straight. 

This play is definitely an experience that speaks to the times we live in and the histories we carry. Lombe has created something truly special. It’s an unforgettable journey that resonates with many. It is definitely storytelling at its finest. It’s a bold, passionate, and electrifying piece of work. I look forward to seeing more from Lombe in the future. 

Shifters - The Duke of York's Theatre

Attended on 22 September 2024