A romantic drama with light comedic notes, Shifters tenderly explores the seemingly myriad ways two people’s lives can intersect in this well-deserved West End transfer.

First staged at the Bush Theatre earlier this year, Shifters is a show that is experienced, not watched. Dre (Cole) and Des (Agyepong) meet at a funeral. Old school friends and first loves now estranged, the show asks existential questions familiar to so many: who are we; is there a such a thing as destiny and is there a such a thing as ‘the one?’

The question of fate is one that is revisited often in Lombe’s stunning script. Dre, living with his God-fearing grandmother; and Des, who lives with her neurologist father, meet in the north-west of England as teenagers, where being of Nigerian and Congolese descent, makes them stand out. As youngsters, she dreams of being an artist, and he a chef – the importance of which is teased out throughout. Cole and Agyepong bring a candour and softness to the stage, using laughter and silence to cover the truths that are too painful to verbalise.

Lynette Linton’s direction adopts a less-is-more approach. The stage is sparse, littered with boxes. This is a wonderful touch helping to communicate the liminality of Dre and Des’s existence, constantly in a state of flux and transition. Supporting this direction is Tony Gayle and Xana’s stunning score: the blend of Congolese, Nigerian and contemporary urban music feels natural and comforting – an unobtrusive and comforting support our main characters. Neil Austin’s lighting plays an important role in situating the different eras that the play jumps to.

Shifters bears a passing resemblance to both Neil Payne’s Constellations and Chinonyerem Odimba’s Black Love, two stunning shows that ask many of the same questions. Lombe’s story has an attention to detail and a weight that invites the audience to fall in love with these beautiful souls, suggesting that whilst forays into the past are warming, it is in the present that the most authentic demonstrations of love can be found.

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