Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) at Criterion Theatre Review
A box office smash (with a slightly lengthy title) makes its way to the West End
Carrying a wedding cake across a city is no easy job, so it's naturally intriguing when two (seeming) strangers share the task in a rom-com that is now enjoying a West End run following a sold-out engagement at North London's Kiln Theatre. First started life in a regional production between the Royal & Derngate Northampton and New Wolsey Ipswich as “The Season”, the show has seen critical acclaim during its London debut last year, welcoming current cast members Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift who make up the two-person cast.
Penned by writers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, the show follows Dougal, an (overly) cheerful Brit on his way transatlantic for his mysterious father's wedding in the world famous New York City, dazzled by all that New York has to offer in the rather reluctant company of the bride's sister Robin. Though initially annoyed at Dougal's naivety to the point where excitement for the “capital city” can make him abruptly break out in song - hence a musical - the duo soons finds themselves in an unlikely relationship that slowly blossoms within this 36-hour trip with someone they might just not see again.
This story by itself is already a set-up for a guaranteed fun night-out, but the way director Tim Jackson fuses comedy and theatricality is what takes the production to the next level, played out on a cleverly-designed set by Soutra Gilmour that consists of luggage-inspired pieces on a revolve that fits aptly with the hustle and bustle of the most populous US city. Suitcases transform into beds, refrigerators and even restaurant tables, boldly highlighted by Jack Knowles’ (who just took home the coveted Olivier Award for his work on Sunset Boulevard) neon-inspired lighting design that paints mood in various settings.
At the centre of all the action are Tutty and Gift, both effortlessly generating chemistry that makes them a joy to watch. Tutty, best known for his Olivier-winning performance in the leading role of Dear Evan Hansen, steps into the shoes of Dougal with a welcome innocence, an endearing contrast with Gift's independent Robin, each effectively characterised with their own “I Want” songs including the catchy “New York” uniquely placed at the start with a bang. Albeit with only two characters, the duo is no less hilarious with witty one-liners delivered on point.
The score is largely set to head-bopping tunes and sentimental ballads in a variety of genres from pop all the way to electrical influences - at one point even including a quickfire act two opener comparable to Sondheim's “Getting Married Today” - accompanied live by a small but mighty four-piece band conducted by Tamara Saringer. Some songs are more easily memorable than others, but on the whole would benefit from more musical material to underscore the otherwise dialogue-heavy scenes that can sometimes make the accumulating momentum feel briefly interrupted; though this is not much of an issue once another tender number is introduced.
Blurring the fine line between comedy and romance while showing off some of the best up-and-coming vocal talents, the piece is truly a testament to the importance of championing emerging writers, all the while giving regional and off-West End theatres their much deserved spotlight. Perhaps with just a bit more rework to find the missing slice, Two Strangers without question has the potential to become the West End's next big hit.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) is now playing at the Criterion Theatre until 31 Aug. More information and tickets available here.
Tickets and Accessibility
🎟️ Tickets were kindly gifted by the PR representatives for the show. All views are my own, without any input or approval from the venue or producers. Rush tickets are available on the TodayTix app on each performance day at 10am for £25 - more info here.
♾️ The audio mix is generally at a comfortable level. There are no loud sudden noises but an instance of loud music around 70 minutes into Act I during the number “American Express”, a full auditorium blackout around 15 minutes before the end and some disco-style lights that shine into the audience at certain numbers.