Two Strangers (Carry A Cake…) - Kiln / Criterion

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Well no surprise but I absolutely loved this as did my friend. As we were leaving she said "when can we see it again".
It is really funny and so well written. A second viewing is definately necessary to hear some of the lines that I missed the first time. Loved the songs as well and it all nips along at speed so I was never bored.
Both Dujonna and Sam were excellent and there was a great chemistry between them. Sam, however, was absolutely adorable. For such a young man he is a great actor and he seems to choose his roles carefully.
The set is simple but very clever the way suitcases turn into other things and the double revolve works really well.
There is a number in the 2nd act which I believe is called "The Argument" which I loved as it isn't really a song as they are arguing with each other but to a beat. (I am sure there is a technical name for it), it was like a rap really but must be really hard to do to get the timing of the words on the beat.
It got an instant full standing ovation at the end which really was deserved.

A very mixed audience but it definately attracted the younger audience member, possible Sam Tutty fans.

I bought a programme and fridge magnet before the show and was given a set of Criterion postcards as well which was a lovely gesture and they are really nice.
i sat in the stalls on the left hand end seat in row H and the view was excellent as pretty much all of the action takes place centre stage so didn't miss anything.

Really hope it does well in the west end as it certainly deserves to have a good run and its nice to see a happy musical where you come out smiling.

I liked this. Heart warming and charming

What drags it down for me was the writers go way overboard with Tuttys ‘manic pixie dream boy’. Found him very annoying to begin with. Like I know he’s the character to contrast with Dujonnas cynical, world weary character who helps to break down her barriers and see the light side of things again.

But they dial up him 100% with all the trappings of this character (first time to New York, seen every movie, naive etc) and then add in the fact that this is a musical and good lord it’s overbearing. Sometimes I don’t even get his character. At times I wonder he’s on the spectrum before he becomes an expert on dating. And one point I think “does he see New York spiritually as the capital or does he seriously know what the capital of USA is”

And normasturban if you’re referring to a moment in the hotel room in the second act, yeah it did seem uncalled for. Like he’s so invested in someone he barely knows

But the musical started winning me over from the tinder song and it really shines when Tuttys character is dialled down and it’s just him and Dujonna singing together as their relationship grows.

Tonally the way the musical goes from one thing to the next is a little jarring. Like Tuttys characters personality dialling up and down. And the incident with the cake didn’t feel quite as serious as it could be. Instead it’s quickly forgotten about as the pair continue getting to know I’m each other

There were some very funny moments, including the aunt comment that got an applause

In the end it won me over but I do have reservations about it

3.75 stars

Interesting (and slightly disappointed) to see they’ve not changed that moment.

I’m not asking for characters to be perfectly behaved and it’s nice in the sense that it’s the moment where Dougal’s happy facade cracks but he’s so unlikable in that scene and I don’t quite warm up to him in the same way again after that.

I saw this on Sunday. I really liked it. It was funny, the set and staging are clever, the cast are amazing.

I've only given it 4 rather than 5 stars as I couldn't now hum a tune although I did enjoy them.

The audience around me absolutely loved it. Loads of really positive talk overheard on the way out and an instant full standing ovation.

Saw this on Sunday too. Great response from the crowd. A few tweaks here and there since the last run but for the better. Thought it was great.

Are those the seats with unlimited legroom? They look brilliant.

Not alone, I definitely went away from the Kiln thinking the Dougal character could really struggle without someone of Sam Tutty's charm to pull it off.

I’d be interested to see the understudy in the role and see if he’s as capable of winning the audience back.

He wiped away a tear when she tells him some home truths. This, combined with the Mum “About to Go In” to the church voicemail song, shows that vulnerable side perfectly.

There's a story on this tonight on BBC London news

No, yes!