I’m so happy that ‘Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York’ has returned for a second time to the London stage as I missed its early 2023 Kiln Theatre run. I’d recommend for you to see it as well.
The title of the show practically explains the plot. The two strangers are Robin (Dujonna Gift) and Dougal (Sam Tutty), and yes they are strangers when they meet but it turns out that Robin will soon be Dougal’s future Aunt: Dougal’s father is marrying Robin’s sister. So Dougal has travelled to New York City to attend the wedding of his very rich father, a man he has never actually met. And to boot Robin and her sister are not very close at all. But Robin’s task is to pick up her sisters wedding cake while at the same time entertain (against her will) wide-eyed and first time to New York visitor Dougal. This is done via charming and funny dialogue and songs that hit the right note (light and lively and catchy – just like the show) with them and with us. And as their journey through New York leading up to the wedding is short and sweet, so is our journey.
The two leads are incredibly talented and perfect in their roles, and they’re both naturals on the stage. Tutty is a born actor having wowed us in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (winning an Olivier Award) while Gift exudes confidence with every step and song. With songs by Kit Buchan and Jim Barne and direction by Tim Jackson (with a great set of a plethora of luggage), ‘Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York’ is heart warmingly very good, and good news is that it has been extended to run until August 31, 2024.