Two Strangers Carry A Cake Across New York

Criterion Theatre, 26/06/24

Credit: Tristram Kenton

Final rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

An ode to rom coms – that’s how I’d describe this beautiful heart-warming modern musical. It’s got a brilliant balance of light and shade, and a catchy soundtrack that has stayed with me. As a two-hander, I was slightly sceptical that I’d be able to maintain my attention span watching the same two actors throughout – but both deserved our attention. I should mention here that on the night I went, Sam Tutty (of Dear Evan Hansen fame) was indisposed and I saw the understudy Ellis Kirk – but he was dazzling and triumphant in the role of babbling Brit Dougal.

Our story begins as Dougal lands in the US and meets Robin (Dujonna Gift) at the airport. Dougal’s dad is marrying Robin’s sister – so the pair are almost forced to spend time together for the 36 hours Dougal is in New York – for the purpose of attending the wedding. The sarcastic and unenthusiastic Robin makes it quite apparent she doesn’t want to be there meeting him or worse touring him round the city. But when they do arrive in New York (cue the primary musical number of the show) – all of that changes. The singing was sublime – and every song was a shining example of how storytelling and music can go together. I thought it had a perfect mix of dialogue and song, which is not something all musicals achieve (see my review of Hadestown…)

The set is wonderfully simple, a rotating stage of suitcases – yet our pair navigate it wonderfully, and often throughout we see the suitcases open to become a bar or a bed or a fridge or a cupboard. It’s cleverly done (and obviously was done on a budget, given it first opened at the Kiln Theatre and transferred).

As the plot goes on, we start to really relate to Dougal’s dreaming, and there is something so delightful about seeing him gradually break Robin down and get her onside. It culminates in a fantastic number where she spends an exorbitant amount of money and books the bridal suite at New York’s fanciest hotel – and they end up sleeping together. Predictable? Yes… but it is unashamedly a romcom so I think it’s totally acceptable.

There’s a brilliant number about dating and how to use Tinder – as well as some emotionally charged ones, like when Dougal calls his mum but doesn’t really know what to say. The music really elevates the performances of the actors – which is seriously high quality. I was crying from laughter and also sadness. There are twists, a dramatic reveal, and a happy ending (not that type, grow up…). And at the end it even snows – which is a beautiful nod to the dialogue, where Robin buys Dougal a snowglobe as a parting gift.

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, but it’s a real charmer and it’s hard not to leave the theatre with your heart feeling full.