Review: Shifters, Bush Theatre ★★★★

Tender love story Shifters by Benedict Lombe has been a sell-out success at the Bush Theatre and it seems hard to believe we might not see it in another incarnation soon. The Bush, under the artistic direction of Lynette Linton is going from strength to strength and Shifters is another triumph for them.

Des(tiny) (Heather Agyepong) and Dre(am) (Tosin Cole) are relatable, believable, plausible and both universal but also deeply rooted in their own cultures. Des is British Congolese and Dre is British Nigerian.

The story brims over with love and our sympathy for the two characters grows as they grow both together and apart. Lighting from Neil Austin helps to signpost changes in timeline but, in reality, the acting of Agyepong and Cole is so strong that we are navigated through the material with ease. We are always on their side as they are first stuttering teenagers, not quite saying what they want to, and then later adults when maybe somethings should be left unsaid after all.

For those who want a love story which spans from teenage years into proper thirties adulthood, this play is a treat, but it also leaves enough questions to ponder to be satisfying. What is success? What price should we pay for it? Can you ever really move on from your first love?

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