Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) – Kiln Theatre

Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift in Two Strangers st the Kiln Theatre, London. Picture: Marc Brenner

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) continues at the Kiln Theatre, London until 20 January 2024.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is the slice of joy that is exactly what London needs for the festive season.

The piece follows the 36-hour adventures of Dougal (Sam Tutty), son of the groom and Robin (Dujonna Gift), sister of the bride. When the characters first meet at JFK Airport, the day before the wedding of Dougal’s absent, millionaire father, they do not hit it off, but somehow sarcastic, native New Yorker Robin unwittingly becomes the perfect local tour guide.

With his puppy dog charm and positive exuberance, naive boy next door Dougal – a movie obsessed, usher from Crawley – can’t wait to embrace everything New York has to throw at him. Robin seems to be the only person that doesn’t fall for his quirky jokes and impressions.

Tutty’s delivery and comic timing, plus his larger-than-life characterisation, is masterful and captures our hearts from the start. His songs soar above the New York soundscape – they are funny, playful and full of passion. ‘He Doesn’t Exist’ demonstrates an emotional side too.

Gift is the sassy, nonchalant and bold Robin. She is empty and lonely, having lost her direction and sparkle. The actress and singer shows impressive multi-tasking skills as she interacts with the imaginary customers in the coffee shop where she works. In the delicate ’What’ll It Be’ Gift also gives us an insight into the emotional turmoil that keeps Robin’s feelings locked tightly away.

This hysterical rom-com style script follows the capers of two very different people from different cultures, with all their individual idiosyncrasies. Many lines send the audience into fits of laughter with their authentic awkwardness and relatability.

Despite the light-hearted, clichéd romantic style, the characters are complex and rewarding. Dougal idolises a father he has never met and Robin is stuck in a dead-end barista job, running errands for her sister before the wedding. She is unable to break free, she can’t understand Dougal’s energetic, zest for life. Both have a lot to learn. These two dynamic extremes make for an extremely funny and touching partnership.

The success of this musical is largely down to the casting of two great actors with such beautiful harmonious voices and the work of hugely talented writers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. Tim Jackson’s slick direction and choreography sustain the energetic pace and pathos.

Tutty’s powerful delivery of ‘New York’ is a true blockbuster. Another fascinating song involves an argument performed as a rap song, to the beat of a drum. Just when you wonder where the story can go next, the pair max-out on a credit card in ‘American Express’ and live the high life just for a night in the Act I finale. Each song brings something completely unique to the story – from reimagined Christmas numbers to Tinder tangos and heartfelt emotional ballads.

The sets by Soutra Gilmour consists of two monolithic columns made almost entirely of silver suitcases, replicating the structures of New York (fridges, seats, tables, subways and beds), surrounded by a revolving ‘sidewalk’. LED strips on the suitcases help with changing scenes and atmospheres.

This traditional rom-com musical with a twist and a killer soundtrack will keep you wanting more – like a warm hug on a winter’s day. It is bound to put a smile on your face.

Marina Holmes