Shifters is a HIT: Play with Maya Jama and Idris Elba as producers is hailed 'beautiful, funny and moving' as opening night audiences gush over West End transfer
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A new play which sees Maya Jama, Idris Elba and Little Simz serve as producers has been hailed as 'beautiful, funny and moving' by opening night audiences.
Shifters tells the story of Des and Dre, who come crashing back into each other's lives and are reminded of their love and time together as teenagers - but their time is limited.
It was revealed last week that the Love Island host, actor and rapper were all producers on the play for its transfer to the Duke Of York's Theatre after a sold out run at Bush Theatre.
And the play - which stars Netflix's Supacell and Doctor Who star Tosin Cole alongside actress Heather Agyepong - has received high praise after its first performance on Monday night.
Audiences gushed over the heart-wrenching tale, written by Benedict Lombe and directed by Lynette Linton, applauding it for being moving and thought-provoking but also humorous.
New play Shifters which sees Maya Jama, Idris Elba and Little Simz serve as producers was hailed as 'beautiful, funny and moving' by opening night audiences on Monday
The play - which stars Netflix's Supacell and Doctor Who star Tosin Cole alongside actress Heather Agyepong (both pictured with Maya) - has received high praise after its first performance on Monday night
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers said: 'Shifters is just as beautiful, funny & moving as I remembered! Huge congratulations to the team on bringing this stunning play to the West End! (Also - the writing?! I’m off to re-read the play text),';
Saw Shifters last night and it was absolutely amazing. I had front row seats as well and it made the experience event better. It was everything a theatre show should be. Funny, emotional, thought provoking. If you haven’t seen it yet, book asap!!!';
'Shifters is INCREDIBLE! We laughed, cried and yearneddddd Perfect end to my co-birthday!';
'#Shifters was so beautiful,'; 'Definitely need to watch shifters again before it ends,';
'Shifters is a really nice play, I'm glad I saw it,'; 'Really enjoyed #Shifters (after making it to the right theatre).'
Other fans took to the comment section of the play's Instagram page as the team celebrated opening night.
They commented: 'It was amazing,'; 'Incredible scenes tonight,'; 'Incredible!!!!!!!! Best show!!!'
Maya, Idris and Little Simz were last week confirmed as producers of the West End transfer of the play.
It was revealed last week that the Love Island host, actor and rapper were all producers on the play for its transfer to the Duke Of York's Theatre after a sold out run at Bush Theatre (Pictured are playwright Lynette, actor Heather, producer Idris, playwright Benedict and actor Tosin)
Maya (Pictured with playwright Benedict), Idris and Little Simz were last week confirmed as producers of the West End transfer of the play
A synopsis for the play reads: 'With the clock counting down until Des has to leave again, memories of their teen years collide with their present and they're forced to question if destiny has brought them back together for a reason'
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers said: 'Shifters is just as beautiful, funny & moving as I remembered!'
Other fans took to the comment section of the play's Instagram page as the team celebrated opening night
The trio, who will produce the play, will be joined by Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Chuchu Nwagu Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions.
'I'm so excited to be a part of bringing Benedict Lombe's beautiful play, Shifters, to the West End,' Maya said in a statement.
'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.'
She continued: 'I really hope you fall in love with these characters and their journey as much as I have.'
Idris added: '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.'
Little Simz said she was 'moved to tears' by Shifters after seeing the show and said: '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.'
'I’m so excited to be a part of bringing Benedict Lombe’s beautiful play, Shifters, to the West End,' Maya said in a statement
Idris added: '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'
Little Simz said she was 'moved to tears' by Shifters after seeing the show and said: 'Tosin and Heather spoke Benedict's words with such conviction and truth'
A synopsis for the play reads: 'With the clock counting down until Des has to leave again, memories of their teen years collide with their present and they're forced to question if destiny has brought them back together for a reason.
'Shifters is a beautifully intoxicating and relatable reminder of the enduring power of memory and young love.'
A synopsis for the play reads: 'With the clock counting down until Des has to leave again, memories of their teen years collide with their present and they're forced to question if destiny has brought them back together for a reason.
'Shifters is a beautifully intoxicating and relatable reminder of the enduring power of memory and young love.'
The West End Transfer of Shifters previewed on August 12 at London's Duke of York's Theatre and runs until October 12. Tickets, here.
