Award-winning actor Idris Elba, broadcaster and entrepreneur Maya Jama and Brit Award and Mercury Prize-winning musician and actor Little Simz have been announced as producers for Shifters at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London.
The play is transferring into the West End from an acclaimed run at the Bush Theatre.
Directed by Lynette Linton (Blues for an Alabama Sky, Barcelona), Benedict Lombe’s romance got great reviews from the critics when it premiered at the Bush, and will play the Duke of York’s from 12 August to 12 October 2024.
Reprising their roles in Shifters are Heather Agyepong (Amazon’s The Power; School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play) and Tosin Cole, star of Netflix’s hit new release Supacell and BBC’s Doctor Who.
Benedict Lombe is only the third Black British female playwright to have her play staged in the West End, following Natasha Gordon (Nine Night) and Yasmin Joseph (J’Ouvert).
Joining Lynete Linton in the creative team are 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 is an epic and universal love story is about the enduring power of memory and first love.
Shifters is produced by Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Chuchu Nwagu Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions.
“[Shifters] is so well written by Benedict Lombe and so well performed by Heather Agyepong and Tosin Cole”
Idris Elba said in a statement: “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 said: “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 said: “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.”
Pop-up bookshop at the Duke of York’s Theatre
A pop-up bookshop dedicated to uplifting and showcasing the canon of Black British playwriting, literature and poetry will also open during the run of Shifters.
The Shifting The Narrative Bookshop, in partnership with Nick Hern Books, ATG Entertainment West End Creative Learning, Hachette UK, and Pan Macmillan, and in support of Free Books Campaign, Black Minds Matter UK, and Sistah Space, will be stocked with titles that shift the narrative of Blackness away from trauma, and instead focus on Black joy, love, futurism and celebration. Running from 12 August until 20 August (excluding Sunday 18 August), the bookshop will be located in the outer foyer of the Duke of York’s Theatre.
Sofia Akel, founder of Free Books Campaign said: “Storytelling is at the heart of our work – from poetry to theatre, literature to music and more, making stories accessible is essential. We’re honoured to celebrate various forms of written art, with a focus on Black Joy, love and futurism in partnership with Shifters, Nick Hern Books, Hachette UK and Macmillan – bridging stories across art forms.”
Danielle Bridge, CEO of Black Minds Matter UK said: “This initiative is a celebration of storytelling’s power to reshape perspectives, featuring authors who are redefining the narrative around the Black experience. By amplifying these voices, we aim to inspire and educate, fostering a richer, more inclusive literary landscape.”
Sistah Space said: “Sistah Space is pleased to be a part of Shifting the Narrative Bookstore. As a specialist charity dedicated to Black African and Caribbean heritage female survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, our mission is centered around shifting narratives on what a victim looks like. We welcome stories like Shifters that centre Black stories to help Black audiences and Black women feel seen.”
Matt Applewhite, Managing Director of Nick Hern Books said: “As the proud publisher of Bene Lombe’s Shifters – and dozens more brilliant plays by Black British writers, we are delighted to be supporting this urgent and joyful initiative sharing and celebrating these stories and voices even more widely.”
Hachette UK’s THRIVE Network said: “We are so excited to be partnering with the Shifting The Narrative Bookshop to celebrate not only the success of Shifters, a gorgeous sophomore play from Benedict Lombe, but to bring people together to engage in Black joy, culture and creativity.”
How to get Shifters tickets
Tickets to Shifters are now available. The show is playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 12 August to 12 October.
Book tickets to Shifters at the Duke of York’s Theatre London
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