Maya Jama, Idris Elba and Little Simz have all signed on as producers for the London West End transfer of Bush Theatre’s production ‘Shifters’.
The trio will join the producing team alongside Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Chuchu Nwagu Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions, for the shows previously announced nine week run at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London’s West End.
“I’m so excited to be a part of bringing Benedict Lombe’s beautiful play, Shifters, to the West End,” actress and Love Island host Jama said via a press release. “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.”
With Elba adding: “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.”
BRIT Award winner Simz concluded: “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!”
Written by Congolese British Benedict Lombe, and directed by Evening Standard Theatre Award-winner Lynette Linton, ‘Shifters’ follows the story of Dre and Des, two young, gifted Black individuals whose lives intersect years after taking different paths. As they navigate new secrets and old scars, they question if fate has brought them back together.
The West End run sees Heather Agyepong (This Is Going To Hurt, Snowfalls in the Summer) and Tosin Cole (Supacell, Doctor Who) reprise their roles from the original Bush Theatre production.
The team behind the show have also announced the launch of the ‘Shifting The Narrative Bookshop’ – a pop-up initiative, showcasing “Black British playwriting, literature and poetry”. The bookshop will operate from August 12th to 20th in the theatres outer foyer, offering titles that focus on “Black joy, love and celebration”.
‘Shifters’ will have a strictly limited run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from August 12th, to October 12th 2024. Tickets are on-sale here.