British TV and Music Stars to Create West End Play

Idris Elba, Maya Jama, and Little Simz have been announced as producers for the West End transfer of the romantic stage play “Shifters.”

The play, described as an “epic and universal love story about the enduring power of memory and first love,” will run for a limited nine-week season from its opening night on August 21 until October 12 at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London.

Playwright Benedict Lombe will become the third black British woman to have a production staged in the West End.

The transfer from London’s Bush Theatre will feature artist and actress Heather Agyepong and Supacell actor Tosin Cole reprising their roles as Des and Dre.

Idris Elba, known for his role in “Luther,” shared his excitement: “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, the host of ITV’s “Love Island,” expressed her enthusiasm: “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, which is the most important part of it. I really hope you fall in love with these characters and their journey as much as I have.”

Mercury Prize and Brit-winning rapper Little Simz, who also starred in Netflix’s “Top Boy,” recalled watching the play’s last performance and being moved to tears. “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.”

The play follows “young, gifted, black” characters Des and Dre who, after years apart, find themselves thrown back into each other’s lives, carrying new secrets and old scars.

The play’s website notes that “with the clock counting down until Des has to leave again, memories of their teen years collide with their present, forcing them to question if destiny has brought them back together for a reason.”

Producers Eleanor Lloyd, Chuchu Nwagu, and Sonia Friedman expressed their excitement in a statement: “We’re 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.”

Source: The Guardian, BBC News