Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), Criterion Theatre Review
Written by Zoe for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
From either side of the Big Pond, Dougal and Robin couldn’t be more different from one another.
Robin is cool, calm, and collected. She’s sharp and fiercely independent. Whereas Dougal, in the words of Robin, is ‘a golden retriever with no boundaries’. He’s funny, naive, and to Robin’s dismay, overtly positive. So, what will happen when their worlds collide in New York. Two Strangers. One city. Four cakes. What could possibly go wrong…
Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) is taking the West End by storm, after a successful run at The Kiln Theatre. Directed by Tim Jackson, this is a wonderfully heartfelt and joyous musical that explores connection, happiness, and feeling like we’re enough.
Sam Tutty is Dougal and Dujonna Gift is Robin. Tutty lights up the stage with his boundless energy and contagious charm, and Gift’s vocals are outstanding. The duo together are sensational.
Dougal travels to the Big Apple after receiving a wedding invite from his Dad, whom he’s never actually met. He meets Robin, the sister of his Dad’s finance. After an awkward but hilarious conversation about Marmite, Robin reluctantly shows him the way to New York.
Soutra Gilmar’s set consisted of two large mountains of suitcases, with every size case imaginable. Throughout the show, various cases turn into, a hotel bed, a mini bar, seats on the subway, and a Chinese restaurant. Gilmar’s design is modern, imaginative, and heaps of fun. But it’s the revolving stage that brings the set to life and allows the design to work so well.
What makes this musical so infectiously brilliant, is of course the musical numbers. From the unforgettably catchy ‘New York!’, to the relatable and emotive ‘Be Happy’, Barne and Buchan beautifully blend ballads with upbeat ‘bops’ to create a fresh and memorable soundtrack.
Read more: Interview with Dujonna Gift, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
As Robin and Dougal carry the four-tiered cake across the city, they begin to notice that they have more in common with one another than they first thought. Something is missing in both their lives and an element of sadness underpins the story. Dougal is desperate to meet his Dad who left before he was born, but the anticipation and curiosity over time means he’s put his father on a pedestal. Robin brings him back down to earth when she reminds him that he’s already enough.
Robin is unhappy and distant from her family. But Dougal’s empathic nature and positivity helps Robin realise that she too is enough. Despite their stark differences, they come together like yin and yang, they balance one another perfectly. Tutty and Gift are flawless and their on-stage chemistry is undeniably strong.
The pair decide to experience New York in a whole different light, with the help of Dougal’s Dad’s credit card. A dazzling spectacle follows with slick costume changes and fabulous choreography. But when the pair drink a little too much, they somehow end up in one of the finest hotels in the city. The second half opens with ‘Hangover Duet’; Robin has the world’s worst headache, yet Dougal feels on top of the world. He’s comically dressed in a hotel robe, with a large foam finger and Statue of Liberty crown.
After twists in the narrative how will the story conclude? Will they get to the wedding and will Dougal finally meet his long-lost Dad?
Jim Barne, Kit Buchan and the rest of the creative team have created a new hit musical that everyone will love. It’s a romantic comedy, with a twist. It oozes charm and warmth, all whilst making you laugh out loud.
Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), is a deliciously, feel-good musical that will leave you wanting a slice more.
At Criterion Theatre until 31 August 2024.
