★★★★★ REVIEW: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake across New York) | new West End musical at the Criterion

[@aidenmckenzie4066]

I saw this a few weeks ago, and I think this is exactly what new British musical theatre has needed! a refreshing new story, while yes follows the typical Rom-Com format, is totally original. I think producers need to see this and be excited about producing new original musical theatre rather than churning out more movie adaptations

[@louiseparkin600]

I travelled to London for the first time to see as many shows as possible last week. Thank you, because your videos helped me in setting out my week, and choosing what I would see. From hearing you talk about this musical on your channel, this was the first show I saw, and I loved it so much I bought another ticket to go and see it again just before I left. It's such a beautiful show. As promissed by the promotional material, I laughed, then I cried (then I laughed as I cried) and have been listening to and singing the songs ever since.

[@seqvela]

I got to see Joe Kelly a Dougal, and let me tell you, he embodied Dougal. I couldn't help but be absolutely in love with Dougal by the end, he played it so well, he was so charming, he landed every single joke. I've never experienced that kind of response and energy from an audience on a random tuesday night before

[@Adatude248]

I saw this advertised all over my Instagram for months so I flew over to see it for the first time last month and I honestly am OBSESSED, It is such a gorgeous story and I loved seeing a show with just two performers for a change of the big cast musicals plus the staging of just one set of build up cases that transformed I loved how that was it there was nothing else’s used x Absolutely loved everything about it! I am actually flying back this Friday to see it again and the Criterion theatre is just also such a lovely venue so I couldn’t highly recommend this show anymore! 👏🏻🗽

[@vickiastbury6758]

if you like shows with small casts and limited set, try Operation Mincemeat if you haven't seen it already. Does so much with just 5 people

[@matthewplampton955]

Definitely the best new musical I've seen in a long long time. It's just so charming and heart warming. I laughed, I cried. It was brilliant. My one annoyance was that he sings he has coeliac disease but then eats a cake with gluten in it 30 mins later, wish they could add a line in somewhere to iron out the plot hole.

[@AthynVixen]

Loving the Time Square Elmo detail.. Saw this show a few weeks ago and absolutely adored it! Bought on the strength of Sam Tutty not knowing much about it. So funny..i usually loathe romances but this is really sweet and not too cheesy. keen to see it again...

[@lucygrays.ballad]

i booked plane tickets to go see this after one of your lives. it's my new favorite musical! i mean it. it's so funny and heartfelt. and sam and dujonna are absolute powerhouses. i've never felt more privileged to be watching two people perform, and they even came out to stagedoor at the matinee. wanna go back and see this sometime soon but it can be a bit hard as i'm from norway

[@Mahelva]

This review makes me so happy, and I totally agree. I saw it in previews at the Kiln theatre and looooved it immediately. I was so happy when it transferred to the West End and saw it there as well. I love that it's just really really good in all its simplicity. There is nothing over the top with a million dancers or crazy costumes, it's just super clever, well written in every way, visually amazing and insanely charming thanks to the chemistry and talent of the performers. Also, shoutout to the argument song that is basically just rhythmic talking with no music (but not rapping), I loved that. I hope this show gets a loooong and successful life in London with many further extensions, and on tour + on and off Broadway and across the world, because the joy this show brings is such a gift.

[@3vilinzide417]

I am on holidays in London at the moment and booked Hadestown for my birthday and to fight against my social anxieties. It was incredible and because i loved it so much i thought watch another one cause one turned out great and "2 Strangers" is around the corner and i heard of it. I am in shock how good it was. two people not only carrying the cake but also carrying the entire show without it getting boring or misses something is a testament to the actors, voices and music. I loved every minute of it. In the first half the crowd was cheering in the second half everyone was quiet and fascinated by it. I am also shocked, that there is no Show-Album to listen to. But incredible job by everyone involved

[@dylansmith1833]

I really hope they extend this in the West End cause I really wanna see it when I come back in the fall!

[@kateponzio]

Consider me officially influenced! I have an upcoming trip to the UK, and just purchased a ticket to the show after seeing your glowing review. So glad to be pointed in the direction of can't-miss London theatre!

[@peterctbrownuk]

Agree with absolutely everything in this review. Its a joyous nostalgic warm hug of a show. Essential viewing for any lover of new musical theatre. Brilliantly written, directed and performed. Sam is just effortlessly charming. Like an excitable puppy. Dujonna also incredible. Their chemistry and comedic timing, completely faultless. The snow globe analagy, physical set design, metaphoric interpretation of storytelling Act 1 & then the shaken up second act is so clever. The characters are so well written , you are instantly invested and if you're a new york obsessed movie romantic like me will find yourself wondering what happened next.. what a time for brilliant original musical theatre. Can't wait for more!

[@LeinVerheij]

I've travelled by Eurostar to see this show twice in the Kiln Theatre. First time I went because I loved Sam in Dear Evan Hansen and had no idea what to expect. It blew my mind. So funny and cute with amazing songs (very happy they released those on Spotify). I hope it will extend so I can see it again in the Criterion after the summer.

[@misskit123]

It's so freaking cute I can't stand it!! Sam and Dujonna are charming and adorable and sound amazing. I can't wait to go back.

[@kieradevilliers1866]

I wish they did a song that kinda spoke (or I guess sang-) about why he loved films so much. I mean he’s constantly referencing them and she picks up on it, he even works in a cinema, I feel like it could’ve been a great way to find out more about his deeper character, call it “escapism” or something would be cool

[@outandaboutwithBen]

I've seen this twice so far, at the Kiln back in October, then last week at the Criterion. I'm absolutely addicted. I have the songs on constant repeat and I shall be going back several times before this ends. I'm hoping to catch Ellis and Tanasha at somepoint to see how their versions of Dougal and Robin compare. The opening scene with the Marmite tells you straight away it's going to be an absolute blast. A fantastic rom com with enough great drama added to the mix - and those vocals from Sam and Dujonna - Wow. Stunning. It's a 10 from Ben.

[@chewbekah]

Saw this at the Kiln where the ENTIRE theatre was in stitches! Loved it so much that I took my friend to see it again at the Criterion- she pointed out that it's actually quite sad as well, which I kind of forgot amidst the top tier humour, but I found that it's very well balanced. The humour never feels jarring against the very real, heartfelt moments too. It's also incredibly well done because, despite there only being two cast members, you never feel like you're lacking the presence of other characters; they very much still feel like part of the story. Brilliant all round, Sam and Dujonna were amazing!

[@20fouratirth]

I’ve this show twice now, it is musical theatre PERFECTION! Sam and Dujonna are spellbinding. Please go see!!

[@rossl6114]

Just booked for August! Counting the days!!

[@Luca-br3lu]

Watched this show both at the Kilburn in December and at the Criterion and loved it. Such a sweet, nostalgic, funny and heartwarming show. ❤️

[@meganthewriter589]

I saw this show in December when I spent three days in London and saw three shows! We saw The Witches, this show and Operation Mincemeat. This was my favourite of the three! It really blew me away and it was so magical to see it at Christmas and it snowed over us at the end! It was beautiful and we were sat second row! The staging of it all being suitcases turning into tables, chairs and beds is so interesting and fun.

[@joshkingham9796]

One of the best shows we’ve seen. !! Highly recommend

[@lozzle]

Wonderful review as usual - I can’t agree more. I actually saw Ellis as Dougal when I went and he was absolutely sensational (as was Dujonna - what an insane talent she is). I haven’t seen Sam so I’m not sure how similar/different they are, but this has made me want to go back to see both Sam and Tanasha. I feel that this is also a show that really benefits at least a second watch, because of the way the plot slowly unfolds and reveals itself.

[@mariannecalnan6782]

Saw this at the weekend and totally agree with you. The songs are lovely and the performance are brilliant😊

[@Itsreallyme571]

Just got tickets for August 🎉

[@lester10023]

thought the show was delightful-- some sweet smart songs-- terrific performances-- hope producers bring it to nyc somehow-- happy we saw it---

[@rburns5495]

Was thrilled they extended into august and now booked to see. Shout out to Aeron, love the convenience of a podcast and look forward to being able to mix things up 😊

[@tonyduf7404]

18:35 what is the joke? I just saw with the understudy but curious to what got that reaction

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

When he says he has a black aunt and she slowly realises he's talking about her.

[@tonyduf7404]

@@MickeyJoTheatre iconic! i mean the set up alone “do you know any black people” already a hilarious question!

[@emms232]

Originally I wanted to see Two Strangers because I didn't catch Sam Tutty in DEH as he was on holiday when I saw it and I wanted to see him, and I fell absolutely head over heels with this show. It is funny, adorable and heartwarming, the EP is addictive (my favourite is also This Year) and Robin is very relatable for me tbh. They are both amazing in their roles although if I lived any closer I'd love to see Tanasha and Ellis as well. Btw Sam is pretty similar to Dougal which is why this role suits him so well, I met him twice and he gives off the "bouncing off the walls" type of guy who asks you three questions withing 5 seconds and you're like whoa, I want that kind of energy 😄.

[@jonr1648]

Monday night coming in London! Can Not Wait!!! and Mincemeat in Matinee on Tuesday!!

[@valerieEswenson]

This sounds so good! I am going to London for the first time this September & as you were giving a review I was thinking I finally found the show I wanted to see, but then you said it’s a limited run. It closes the last day of August & that is the day I fly in 😢 Fingers crossed it will be extended again! 🤞

[@LeslieBracuto]

I’m happy to see this review. I’m excited to see this next month!

[@erinbruce2621]

Kit Buchan and Jim Barne have a second new show called Catastrophe Bay which will be playing at Southwark Playhouse this August... please will you come and review us? It's beautifully written and so much fun!

[@adencox3319]

Been waiting for this!!! I loved this show so much I’m going again in July

[@simdivya]

i've seen this show twice already and i am 100% going to see it again. it is all the fun of (good) rom com films but with a really great score (AND, unlike most rom coms, a 3rd act 'breakup' that didn't annoy me at all. i think 'the argument' is so well written.) sam and dujonna's chemistry and ability to command the stage on their own and as a duo is fantastic!!

[@simdivya]

also 17:50 we disagree on this point because oh my goodness dougal is the most AuDHD character i've ever seen. endless optimism and energy? not perceiving her disinterest? very specific movie knowledge? outwardly odd (at least to robin) closeness to his mum? that boy is nottttt neurotypical at all. i mean this all positively btw. it's probably accidental but he is amazing autism + adhd representation in my opinion

[@ClareB78]

Really looking forward to seeing this in July.

[@RhiannonEve]

I absolutely adore this show ♥️ I saw it twice at the kiln, once in previews at the criterion and have plans to see it at least once more. I am a repeat watcher of shows, but never so many times in such close proximity! 😅 It’s so relatable, brilliantly funny and full of heart. Sam and Dujonna are such a perfect pairing. And I haven’t been able to get “New York” out of my head since last November 😂

[@jenniferlaura4215]

I've wanted to see this show for a while and i have tickets booked for the 1st June and i cannot wait!!

[@wilsonbreige4908]

Been seeing great reviews and I bought a ticket to see it in August.

[@loredosol]

So looking forward to seeing it, heard nothing but good things about the show (going to the Sunday matinee before I go to your show in the evening, so will be able to tell you what I thought then). The only negative thing I heard is that the theatre don't sell cakes (a missed opportunity, didn't bake off sell cupcakes?). Also loving the Hamilton t-shirt I want one.

[@SteveFeatherstone]

Couldn't agree with you more, I fell in love with this show and it's become my new obsession, everyone needs a dougal in their lives.

[@romycoers8104]

Love the review - so curious which joke you are referring to. There are so many good ones!

[@JoanBarratt-pr5br]

Loved your review and agree wholeheartedly. I initially went to see it at the Kiln because I had so enjoyed Sam in DEH. Saw it 4 times at the Kiln and have now seen it twice at the Criterion and plan to go again ! I’ve taken lots of friends and family and recommended to others who have all loved it and most are planning to go again.. I feel I should get commission 😂 . I agree that Sam is even better in this show than DEH. Would also like to see the understudies to see their take on it . The tickets at the Criterion aren’t as expensive as some of the West End theatres so that helps . 10/10 from me 😊

[@robertbacon4842]

Apparently (according to a panel member) this was eligible for the main Olivier Awards when at the Kiln, so won't be eligible this year - very surprising, and really hoping it's not true as this deserves nominations, if not awards.

[@rebeccam2553]

This is such a good musical! I was lucky to see the understudy Tanasha's first show last week and it was amazing!!

[@stephensmall-dq5dc]

Saw it at kiln then last Saturday in west end, brilliant show ,really funny as well

[@arturobello2380]

just watched it! which was the joke you mentioned that you loved every time you heard it? haha

[@aschmarkl]

I saw this at the Kiln and loved it

[@onlopine]

Sam is so unbelievably cute. ❤

[@oranbowes1278]

Hi Mickey will you and Aaron be at the west end flea market this year and will you make a vlog on it?

[@jameszeller7769]

Do you think there is any chance this will get a Broadway transfer?

[@Kanders01]

Looking to book tickets and this notification pops up! It’s meant to be 🍰

[@Stephenb033]

I saw this at the Kiln and loved it. Go see it.

[@susanpolastaples9688]

I thought I recognized DeShona but not from Hamilton

[@danieljenkins1758]

In case you hadn’t seen it, you’re quoted on the show’s website for giving it 5 stars

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Oh cool! Thanks for letting me know 🙂

[@paulharris5051]

​@MickeyJoTheatre I loved it 5 stars sad and romantic got a suvaner program did you get one met Sam tutty lovly guy

[@RaymondNYC1]

Sounds like a fun show. I bet it could find an audience Off-Broadway.

[@londongirl2768]

I loved this show so much, but hot damn the plot details that you don’t get in the soundtrack really change the show

[@douggordy]

I've been listening to the CD pretty much non-stop the past month and it's a total delight. I am wondering if there are actually songs in the show NOT on the CD though - only 8 songs in a 2-hour show seems rather skimpy!!

[@louiseparkin600]

There are more songs in the show than have been released, there are 15 in the show. There are several comedy upbeat songs that robin and dougal sing as duets which are hilarious.

[@douggordy]

@@louiseparkin600 Thanx! I figured there must be more - since MJ and others have mentioned songs that don't appear to be on the studio cast CD! Hopefully they will get back in the recording studio and record those other 7 soon!

[@ChristopherButler-um2ko]

They can bring that cake right to me. It had better be chocolate!

[@Andy15991]

After 42 balloons cant wqit to see this

[@grantmalone]

Love your reviews. One request! Please get rid of the very quiet music behind you talking. It's just loud enough to be really irritating, like someone quietly rustling a sweet bag behind you at the theatre all through the play lol. And you really don't need it. We're here to hear you :)

[@lilixxx1000]

Can I listen to the soundtrack without spoilers or should I wait until I see the show?

[@JoanBarratt-pr5br]

I’d listen then you will enjoy the songs more and sing along ( in your head not out loud 😂)

[@londongirl2768]

You absolute can, in fact I think it will make you more surprised my the show