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

Going into this show blind was definitely an experience as I had no idea of the plot but I was pleasantly surprised by the story and presentation of it. I had a cake in my bag during the whole show, which was very fitting and amusing to me when I realised at the end of the show.

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

My Review:

This show features a two-person cast featuring Sam Tutty as Dougal and Dujonna Gift as Robin. Unfortunately for me, this small cast made the show feel stop-start and discontinuous at moments as they transitioned between the two characters being on stage. This was particularly noticeable during The Hangover Duet. Overall, this was an enjoyable show, however it felt as though it needed some refining due to this occasional loss of flow. The set was perfect for this show and so well-devised as it forms a snow globe at the end which is a small but sweet reference to a moment during the show. Snow falling into the audience created an almost magical feeling that added to the beauty of this show and makes If I Believed all the more powerful. The set being made up of suitcases enhanced the performance, and I loved the hidden props within the set, seeing this unchanging set be utilised in so many scenes in many different ways made the show more engaging as this is a credit to Soutra Gilmour who is the Set and Costume Designer. The only time the set became obstructive was when the tall suitcases were in the middle of the stage and each actor was singing on either side of the stage as I struggled to see the person on the opposite side of the stage but this was most likely worsened due to the fact that I was sat in row B on the right side of the stalls so was close to the stage and I do think that this obstruction would not be noticeable even one row behind as it was noticeable but manageable for me.

Sam Tutty is perfect casting as Dougal conveying the excitement and naivety of going to New York for the first time and his phenomenal vocals are showcased during New York! which is the opening of the show, and when Dougal and Robin are first introduced. Dujonna Gift portrays the streetwise and cynical Robin and it is beautiful to see her grow as she gets to know Dougal and becomes more hopeful and joyous. Her rendition of Be Happy was truly moving and accompanied by beautiful vocals to convey an honesty that most people feel but won't admit to. They will say they are happy to believe it is true even if that may be the complete opposite of the truth. Also, What'll It Be? was also a powerful moment as this is the audience's first insight into Robin and in my opinion this song does an excellent job at conveying her and her feelings regarding her situation. I really enjoyed the uses of these two characters as a complete contrast at the start of the show to see them meet in a middle ground as the show continues, however, watching them grow together definitely made the ending more moving for me as the two-member cast means you have a more intimate understanding of the characters and better understand their emotions causing you to feel for them during more moving and emotional parts of the show. The songs shared between Dougal and Robin were extremely enjoyable overall, and On The App was an incredibly fun part of the show that had the audience in stitches. However, if the audience laughed or clapped for a while, it seemed as though the actors began to break on stage. I am unsure if this is intentional, as I have only seen the show once, however, it did become noticeable and begin to detract from the content of the show as I found myself waiting for the actors to break character again.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this show and I would want to be able to go again to see if the noticeable moments have been tidied and if it is the characters laughing rather than the actors. This could only be based on seeing the show again, and seeing if they 'break' at the same points, telling me it is a characterisation and acting choice rather than the actors themselves. Another thing that detracted from the show for me was the lack of clarity occasionally experienced, as this led to confusion and missed moments of dialogue for me, but I am aware that sometimes microphones do not want to work and that this cannot be helped.

Content Warnings:

The theatre did not have any displayed content warnings that I could see, however, I did make note of a potentially upsetting plotline or moments, which are as follows:

The show deals with a character being estranged from a parent, and this is referenced throughout the show due to being a major part of the plotline
At the start of Act 2, there are vomiting sounds, but this is done from off-stage
There are loud plane noises and sounds to create an airport ambience before the show begins

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)

- AnxiousTheatregoer