Criterion Theatre, London – until 14 July 2024
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
©Tristram Kenton [email protected]
Sometimes you just leave the theatre with a warm glow and a big goofy grin – and immediately book a return visit while downloading the cast recording.
Two Strangers is absolutely gorgeous. This new musical about two strangers thrown together and finding common ground has no high stakes drama or big ensemble numbers – the title describes exactly what you’re going to see. But this doesn’t stop it being one of the most engaging and uplifting shows in the West End.
Dougal (Sam Tutty) has been invited to his father’s wedding in New York. The bride’s sister, Robin (Dujonna Gift) has been sent to meet him at the airport before she goes to work. This quick errand doesn’t turn out as Robin thought, as it’s Dougal’s first trip to New York, and his exuberance and persistence lead to him tagging along as she collects the wedding cake. So far, so cliched transatlantic rom com, but Jim Barne and Kit Buchan send up the genre with fabulously sharp and witty songs about Tinder and the horror of the morning after alongside gorgeous ballads and a fantastic pastiche of the true intentions of the men singing those Christmas classics. The lyrics and book brilliantly reveal the vulnerabilities underneath the characters’ facades, and you can’t help but root for the pair to get together, and with vocal performances like this, you’ll be in musical theatre paradise.
Soutra Gilmour’s gorgeous set is a New York skyline built with grey suitcases of all sizes, opened to create beds, counters and tables, and set on a revolve as Tutty and Gift make their way across the city.
Sam Tutty is perfect as Dougal. Brought up on tales of the father he’s never met by his well-meaning mother, Dougal’s life seems to revolve around film and his mum. Equally loveable and annoying, his exhausting energy could be overplayed, but Tutty deftly slips between wide eyed naivety and enthusiasm to quieter vulnerability, making this character adorable. Dujonna Gift is amazing as Robin, jaded and drifting as she watches her big sister’s “perfect” life and dwelling on her past mistakes. Gift’s expressions of embarrassment and disbelief at Dougal’s behaviour are a joy, and as Robin lets down her guard with Dougal, Gift’s beautifully nuanced performance impresses. Together, they are magical, with wonderful chemistry and spirit.
Slick, sweet and utterly charming – this is unmissable.