At the Criterion Theatre Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) makes its transfer from a successful run at Kiln Theatre last year.
A sweet new British musical taking on the typical rom-com structure and turning it into an affectionate parody, Two Strangers is a two hander showcasing Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift.
It’s New York, and Dougal has 36 hours to be a tourist and meet the dad who walked out before he was born. The superhero who has been on his mind all his life. It’s Dad’s wedding.
Robin, a waitress in a coffee shop, poor in the party city of the rich, is the sister of the bride, and the wedding cake is the reason for this musical’s sprawling title.
Jim Barne and Kit Buchan are the writers behind this show, which is heavy on story but surprisingly light on songs. Dougal bounces into the Big Apple like an excited puppy; Robin is jaded by the reality she sees day by day.
Directed by Tim Jackson and designed by Soutra Gilmour, whose brilliant set of flight cases becomes a hotel, Chinese restaurant, Robin’s childhood neighbourhood, and more, as the stage revolves.
Two Strangers has charm enough, Tutty and Gift work hard with an easy chemistry from the off. It’s not hard to see where this is going, but they live 4,000 miles apart.
Taking aim at film tropes, lounge singers, the super-rich, dating app liars, and absent parents, the script is rich with unseen folk like ‘big Polly’, social-climbing Melissa, and dog-lover Justin.
Two Strangers is a good evening out for idealistic young lovers and jaded old cynics alike. You may not walk away with the songs in your heart – they are slow burners, which slowly wrap around you – but you may well leave with a warm glow.
***.5
Image credit: Brinkhoff-Morgenburg