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

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is a whirlwind in a snow globe romance, revelling in its clichés while exploring the realism of its not-quite-star-crossed lovers. This contemporary British musical pulls together all of the ingredients of a Richard Curtis rom-com, though the recipe takes creative liberties, exposing tropes as both unrealistic and full of potential.

The initial meet-cute of our chalk and cheese couple, Dougal (Sam Tutty) and Robin (Dujonna Gift), allows the audience to settle into the genre they’ve come to expect. However, the revelation that Dougal is the son of the man Robin’s sister is going to marry throws a spanner in the works, suggesting this musical isn’t going to pan out like a John Hughes movie. 

Dougal has never seen the Big Apple, or his father for that matter. Visiting for his dad’s wedding, he’s full of expectations of New York stereotypes, taking his references from Home Alone 2 and Ghostbusters. For him, NYC is the epitome of glitz and glam, where every coffee shop worker is on the verge of fulfilling their dreams and every street is the backdrop to a Hollywood movie. Olivier award-winning Sam Tutty amazes in this role. The track New York! lyrically bounces off the comical culture clash between our pair as Dougal’s excitement builds until it bursts in a musical knock-out.

Dujonna Gift similarly constructs a character who is a layered, complex and flawed individual. She’s sharp, cynical and pragmatic, yet undeniably likeable. Robin’s life is firmly set in the real world, an example of the unfulfilled dream that litter the streets of New York. Initially rejecting Dougal’s cinematic fantasies, Robin slowly succumbs to his rose-tinted optimism, embracing the city as a place of possibility. Although the only two characters in the musical, this duo manage to bring the electric buzz, flashing lights and bustling streets of New York to the Kiln Theatre stage.

This musical is truly funny, laughing at the boilerplate it’s built upon without ruining its appeal. The On the App number is born from the sound of Tinder swipes, telling of the follies of dating in a big city (Londoners will also be able to relate to this feat of a task). Under the Mistletoe adopts a Michael Bublé suave to the Christmas classics that didn’t age well, giving more creepy stalker than festive cheer and hopeless romantic.

Like the story itself, the set at first appears simple, layering piles upon piles of grey luggage cases, which carve a silhouette of the city’s skyscrapers. Yet these cases open and close, revolve and light up to form airports, taxis, subways, coffee shops, clubs and hotel suites complete with a minibar. This towering construction is surrounded by a turntable, which allows us to walk to streets of New York, exploring the city alongside Dougal and rediscovering it with Robin.

Kit Buchan and Jim Barne have created a musical snow flurry filled with lighthearted laughter as well as touching tender moments. The icing on the cake is our two heartfelt yet unsentimental leads who will leave you desperate for a glimpse of The City of Dreams.

Olivia Gardener
Images: Tristram Kenton

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is at Criterion Theatre from 25^th April until 14^th July 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.