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

Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) at the Criterion Theatre, London. Picture: Tristram Kenton

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) continues at the Criterion Theatre, London until 14 July 2024.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

Following an initial run at the Kiln Theatre, it’s a joy to see yet another new British musical making its mark in the West End. Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), now situated at the Criterion, stars popular performers Dujonna Gift (Hamilton) and Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen).

In this two-hander, the artists shine, with little need for anyone else on stage due to the illustrative script and expert character development. This is despite there being multiple other characters to mention and interact with throughout the show.

The story follows Dougal (Tutty) and Robin (Gift): Dougal is an over-excited Brit, making his way through New York, one tourist cliché at a time, visiting the big city to attend his father’s wedding, the father he has never met before. The rather more cynical Robin, the sister of the bride, meets him at the airport… and the next two days don’t quite turn out as they expected.

Tutty’s charm, comedic timing and vulnerability immediately prove he is perfect for this role and couldn’t possibly be matched. Similarly, Gift’s dry sense of humour, cynicism and sharp wit are a wonderful contrast to the Golden Retriever energy that exudes from Tutty’s character.

This is a rom-com of sorts but in director/choreographer Tim Jackson’s production, it feels more organic in how it observes human relationships. It highlights a couple who have a profound effect on each other’s lives within a short amount of time but the dynamic is slightly unusual. They clearly have a connection, but it’s a rather platonic one at the beginning, moving slowly towards deeper feelings as the show develops.

We’re welcomed into the show with the powerful punch of the opening number, ‘New York’. Fast-paced and with as much energy as Dougal after his morning coffee, this stellar song sets a precedence for Dougal’s American dream and provides a strong insight into his personality from the onset.

The songs are consistently strong, although not all quite as memorable as the opening number. Modern trends such as Tinder and cheesy Christmas songs are touched upon but done so with nuance.

The script is so strong – genuinely one of the funniest I’ve come across in a long time. The pair delivers the expertly written lines so well, demonstrating hugely impressive comedic timing, that the audience is regularly laughing out loud.

The ingenious set designed by Soutra Gilmour (also costumes) consists of piles of suitcases which unfold to reveal beds, bars, subway cars and Chinese restaurants. A revolve adds pace to proceedings, painting the picture of those New York streets that feel like a constant film set to Dougal.

This show is utterly delicious, heartwarming and uplifting. It’s a must-see for any musical fan and we can only hope it will stick around in the West End beyond July when its run is due to come to an end.

Olivia Scull