Apr 244 min read

Review: Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) (Criterion Theatre)

Review by Daz Gale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There have been a lot of great British-born musicals taking the UK (and beyond) by storm in the last year. One such example is the snappily named Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) which won rave reviews and played to sold-out audiences during its run at Kiln Theatre last year. Now, it’s back, bigger than ever as the show moves into a West End home, but does bigger mean better and will this musical still carry the same weight in its new strange location?

Since development began in 2016, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) has lived through various iterations, with the 2019 version named The Season. Premiering at the Kiln Theatre in this finished version with its new name , Two Strangers tells the story of British Dougal (Sam Tutty) flying to New York for his estranged father’s wedding where he meets sister of the bride and future Auntie Robin (Dujonna Gift). A classic odd couple situation plays out with the pair’s contrasting worlds and personalities providing no shortage of comedy. However, it turns out they may not be so different after all and may even hold the key to helping each other.

In Two Strangers, Jim Barne and Kit Buchanan have created a rich and charming story that manages to simultaneously feel intimate while capturing the grandeur that is New Yok City. The choice to make the show a two-hander and focus solely on the burgeoning relationship between Dougal and Robin allows for a deep and layered story to gradually unfold with two fully-fleshed out characters we can’t help but fall in love with. The writers’ ability to let these characters reveal themselves throughout is part of the charm of the story, allowing for a pure and beautiful connection as you immerse yourself in their world.

The shifting tone in the story is always expertly handled. With references to romantic comedies littered throughout, Two Strangers becomes its own one, sending up the clichéd moments in those movies while finding ways to naturally incorporate these staples of the genre into the story. The comedy element is particularly well-handled in a show that starts with the laughs in the opening minute and doesn’t let up, particularly in the first act which is a rip=-roaring and often ridiculous adventure through Dougal’s wide-eyed whirlwind New York trip. There is a weight hidden amongst the humour as we learn more about the characters and their own fractured families. This creates a more serious and emotional second half which, while still peppered with humour, provides more of a gravitas to the story before tying everything up in a satisfying ending.

Barne and Buchan have also written the music for Two Strangers which has already garnered attention after the release of an EP from the show earlier this year. Bookended with two of its strongest numbers, opening number ‘New York!’ is as catchy as it is clever, with its brilliantly nonsensical lyrics as Dougal gets everything about the city wrong, you will find yourself singing it on your way home (I certainly was at least). The slow-burning and beautiful closing number ‘If I Believed’ is another delight, as are Robin’s early solo ‘What’ll It Be?’ and the silly send up of Christmas songs that is ‘Under The Mistletoe’. The comic numbers are mixed with more tender ones in the stripped back ‘About To Go In’ which shows no (jingle) bells or whistles are required to deliver a powerful performance, and the stunning standout that is Robin’s ‘This Year’.

To command the stage and take on the material in a cast of just two demands two strong and captivating performances – thankfully, Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift have no problem in this regard. Sam Tutty once again proves what a phenomenal performer he is as the initially naïve but instantly loveable Dougal. His joy for New York City is infectious as is the way he talks and his ability to see the best in a bad situation – Tutty channels this with effortless charm in a sweet and comical portrayal. His incredible vocals are once again on display, instantly wowing on ‘New York!’ and reminding audiences of his ability to convey tender emotions in an understated nature on ‘Dad’ and ‘About To Go In’.

Dujonna Gift is equally sensational as Robin, starting as a no-nonsense, brash New Yorker who lets her walls down gradually throughout. Dujonna handles this slowly changing character smoothly in an intriguing and always captivating performance. Her talents prove numerous with an effortless ability to become her character, a knack for comic timing and a fantastic singing voice. Her stage presence is awe-inspiring as much, amplified by the stunning chemistry Gift and Tutty exhibit together. Perfectly in tune with their characters and relationship, both have grown with the roles in time to create something far more natural – the result are two of the most captivating performances you will see in the West End this year.

Soutra Gilmour’s set design transforms the stage of the Criterion Theatre into a self-contained New York snow globe with a revolving set littered with suitcases have no shortage of inspired reveals in an always visually pleasing aesthetic. With a great use of lighting from Jack Knowles and crystal clear sound design from Tony Gayle, every element of Two Strangers ties together beautifully with the expert direction and choreography of Tim Jackson finding new and differing ways to bring Barne and Buchan’s words to life and play to Tutty and Gifts biggest strengths and talents. This is a show where all elements are faultless, refreshingly tying together to make one clear and cohesive vision, flawlessly played out.

I loved this show when I saw it at the Kiln Theatre last year, but felt it wasn’t at its best as yet and had room to grow – this was reflective in the four stars I awarded it. However, this West End transfer has found new levels to elevate the work and the end result is something spectacular. Feeling much slicker and with a greater sheen to it, the tone and messages at the heart of Two Strangers have been allowed to find their voices in a show which has no trouble connecting with its audience. Heartwarming, sweet and charming, Two Strangers provides us all with a slice of joy we all desperately need. If the previous run was strong enough on its own, this latest one is well and truly the icing on the cake.