Idris Elba, known for his role in Luther, shared his personal insights on love and heartbreak during the opening of the new play Shifters. Speaking to the BBC, Elba discussed the significance of the play and its resonance with audiences today.
Shifters, featuring Heather Agyepong and Tosin Cole, explores the story of Des and Dre, two young Black individuals who reconnect after a lengthy separation. The play has garnered positive reviews, with The Guardian giving it a four-star rating and praising it for its “giddy kisses, real heart and soul” while also addressing the “everyday tragedy of long-lost first loves.”
At the London Duke of York Theatre, Elba emphasized the relevance of the play’s theme in contemporary society. “It feels like no one celebrates love anymore,” he remarked. “I’ve been in and out of love and I’ve had all the swings and roundabouts the characters have, so to see a love story that speaks to a young demographic is really unique.”
Elba is supporting the play’s promotion alongside Love Island host Maya Jama and Mercury Prize-winning rapper Little Simz. He highlighted that the play, though featuring Black actors, is intended for a universal audience. “The play is not about colour and even though the actors in it happen to be black, this show is for everyone,” he stated.
Playwright Benedict Lombe has made history as the third Black British woman to have a production staged in the West End. Shifters has been praised for its fresh perspective on Black storytelling. City AM lauded the play for offering a “fresh perspective on Black storytelling on London stages,” while Adam Bloodworth noted that Dre and Des “feel like two Black Britons who could feasibly exist,” marking a significant milestone on major West End stages.
Tosin Cole, who plays Dre, expressed satisfaction with the play’s ability to connect with audiences. He noted that while his character’s experiences are relatable to those of certain ethnic backgrounds, the emotions of grief, love, and making mistakes are universal. “It’s great that people from certain ethnic backgrounds are able to connect with my character on a deeper level,” Cole said.
The Telegraph’s four-star review praised the play for addressing issues such as mental health, grief, and class inequality without being overly heavy-handed, describing it as a “tender portrayal of human connection.”
Following its successful run at the Bush Theatre earlier this year, Shifters has been well-received by critics, with The Times awarding it five stars and highlighting the “enormously attractive and nuanced portrayals” by Agyepong and Cole.
Agyepong, reflecting on the audience’s reaction, said, “I always knew how important this play was but to see the audience really respond, gasp, cry and laugh throughout really feels amazing.”
According to Variety, the play is set to be adapted into a TV series by Lombe and See-Saw Films, extending its impact beyond the stage.
