A Charming Tale of Romance and New York Adventures Comes to Kiln Theatre in London
London’s Kiln Theatre is set to host a delightful two-hander musical that combines the charm of romance with the exciting backdrop of New York. Titled Two Strangers, the production showcases the perfect blend of sugar and sour as it brings together a wide-eyed hero and a sardonic heroine in an enchanting story filled with love and adventure.
The musical revolves around the unlikely meeting of Dougal and Robin, who find themselves thrown together in the bustling city of New York for 36 hours. Dougal, hailing from England, arrives just in time for a Christmas wedding where his dad, whom he has never met, is getting married to Robin’s sister. As these two strangers navigate the city, they embark on a series of comical and heartwarming adventures that could easily be mistaken for a movie script.
Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, the brilliant minds behind this British musical, previously titled it The Season in 2019. However, the new title, Two Strangers, captures the essence of their meet-cute narrative even better. The story unfolds as Robin, the grounded and sardonic character, crosses paths with the wide-eyed and optimistic Dougal at JFK Airport. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when Dougal offers to assist Robin in collecting the wedding cake. As they traverse the city, with Dougal’s infectious enthusiasm and Robin’s guarded nature, their differences become more apparent. It’s worth noting that despite the generation gap, Robin, and Dougal are the same age. This fact adds an interesting dynamic to their evolving relationship, especially when Dougal playfully tries out the title of Aunty Robin to Robin’s chagrin.
Dougal’s untethered optimism is reminiscent of a snowglobe in constant motion. Although he works as a cinema usher and has never been to New York, he feels well-prepared due to his multiple viewings of the movie Home Alone 2. Sam Tutty brings Dougal’s infectious energy to life, soaring with his tremulous yet powerful voice. Naturally, it is Dougal who sings first since he wears his heart on his sleeve. On the other hand, Robin, expertly portrayed by Dujonna Gift, keeps her emotions tightly under control. However, her revealing barista monologue, entitled What’ll It Be?, uncovers the inner turmoil she conceals. Gift effortlessly balances the character’s vulnerability and sorrow, even displaying an impressive ability to sing sarcastically.
The city itself becomes a character in the musical, mirroring the stark differences between Dougal and Robin’s perceptions. To Dougal, New York is a living movie set, while for Robin, it serves as a constant reminder of lost dreams and bitter disappointments. Soutra Gilmour’s set design beautifully captures this dichotomy with two frost-shaded luggage skyscrapers endlessly circling on a carousel, symbolizing the ongoing sense of stagnation. As Robin poignantly sings, the world keeps spinning, but you stay where you are, both characters yearn for something to jolt their lives forward.
Jim Barne’s melodic compositions perfectly complement Kit Buchan’s skillful use of rhymes, creating a conversational and engaging musical experience. The show features entertaining numbers like Dougal’s humorous declaration of being a Tinder expert, a frantic Sondheimesque scramble, and an exhilarating spree across the city fueled by a borrowed credit card. At the same time, the musical also delves into moments of introspection, capturing Tutty’s character as his expectations waver under the weight of doubt while Gift delivers a powerful self-reproach in a moment filled with emotion.
Under the direction of Tim Jackson, Gift and Tutty deliver outstanding performances that embody the romantic comedy influences of Two Strangers without venturing into sappy territory. The musical strikes a balance between humor and heartfelt sentiment, maintaining an unsentimental charm that captivates audiences.
In summary, Two Strangers promises to be a delightful and heartwarming musical experience that celebrates the power of love, self-discovery, and the magic of unexpected connections. With its engaging storyline, unforgettable characters, and exceptional performances, this production at Kiln Theatre is a must-see for theater enthusiasts and lovers of musical theater alike.
