The world premiere of *My Neighbour Totoro* triumphed at the 2023 Olivier Awards, winning six categories out of its nine nominations at the ceremony. It’s a good time for the Studio Ghibli stage adaptation, too, as *My Neighbour Totoro* will open in the West End next year, with performances at the [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) from 8 March.

Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* follows Satsuki and Mei,...

Here's why 'My Neighbour Totoro' deserved all the Oliviers

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Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* will return to London later next year, opening at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

Next year, the [Royal Shakespeare Company’s](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/royal-shakespeare-company) triumphant 2022 stage adaptation of [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro) heads to the West End's [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) for a third run due to enormous popular demand. The show won six Olivier Awards and broke the Barbican’s box office record for the most tickets...

What to expect from London shows based on Studio Ghibli films

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Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985. They are known for creating imaginative movies, including *My Neighbour Totoro* and *Spirited Away*.

A stage adaptation of television comedy *Inside No 9* will arrive in the West End next year. The show opens for a 12-week run at Wyndham's Theatre from 18 January 2025.

The TV show's original writers and performers Steve Pemberton (*The Pillowman*) and Reece Shearsmith (*A Very Expensive Poison*) will star in the West End show, titled *Stage/Fright*, which will blend original material with familiar characters from the series. 

Speaking about the announcement, Pemberton and Shearsmith said:...

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's 'Inside No 9' to be adapted for the West End 

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The TV show's original creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith will star in the West End adaptation when it opens next year. 

The hit musical comedy *Titanique* has confirmed plans for a West End run later this year. The show is currently performing at Off-Broadway venue the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The musical, which is co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022.

The parody of James Cameron's Oscar-winning *Titanic* film features a raft of Celine Dion’s iconic songs including “My Heart Will...

'Titanique' confirms planned West End run

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The musical has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022. It is currently at the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The British writer James Graham is on an incredible run at the moment. He just won the Olivier Award for Best New Play for *Dear England*, a fantastic drama about football manager Gareth Southgate, which enticed new audiences into theatre, and the musical *Tammy Faye*, for which he supplied the book, is opening on Broadway this autumn.

He’s also a prolific screenwriter, with recent hits including the crime series *Sherwood* and the dystopian drama *The Way*. Graham has that rare combination of...

Learn more about James Graham’s career ahead of 'Boys from the Blackstuff'

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From plays *Dear England* and *This House* to TV hits like *Sherwood*, Graham is unstoppable – and now his *Boys from the Blackstuff* is coming to the West End.

The bright lights of West End theatres are always appealing, but there are also a number of exciting Off-West End venues in the capital, such as the small but mighty [Bush Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/bush-theatre), which is nestled in west London.

This theatre has always punched above its weight, launching the careers of hugely successful writers such as James Graham and Lucy Kirkwood, as well as actors like Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman, Andrew Scott, and Phoebe...

A complete guide to the Bush Theatre

Bush Theatre credit Philip Vile

Get to know this exciting new-writing venue in west London, which has launched the careers of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Victoria Wood, among others.

The acclaimed screen and stage actor Ben Whishaw is back in town, starring in the premiere of Margaret Perry’s *[Bluets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39930-bluets)* at the Royal Court. The play is an adaptation of Maggie Nelson’s book and follows someone obsessed with the colour blue – taking in artists like Joni Mitchell and Billie Holiday as they navigate a devastating heartbreak.

Whishaw is joined in *Bluets* by *House of the Dragon* star Emma D’Arcy and *The Girl Before*’s Kayla...

Learn more about Ben Whishaw's career ahead of 'Bluets' at the Royal Court

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The James Bond and *Paddington* actor is co-starring in this new adaptation of Maggie Nelson's book *Bluets* with Emma D'Arcy and Kayla Meikle.

It’s another fantastic year for [Shakespeare plays](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/shakespeare) in London, and as the weather (finally!) improves, you can start getting those outdoor shows in the diary, as well as all of the brilliant productions in the West End and beyond.

If you’re after a fresh take on the Bard, you’re definitely in luck. Sir Ian McKellen is already wowing audiences, giving his Falstaff a dynamic new spin in Robert Icke's adaptation of *Henry IV*, *[Player...

See modern adaptations and outdoor productions of Shakespeare plays in London

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Player Kings. Ian McKellen (Falstaff) & Toheeb Jimoh (Prince Harry). Credit - Manuel Harlan. 029

From Ian McKellen in *Player Kings* to an incredible open-air season at Shakespeare's Globe, there's a wide variety of shows on offer in London.

You just can’t beat family when it comes to riveting drama. Perhaps that’s because no one gets under your skin quite like the people you love and who know you best – and who are bonded to you by blood, like it or not. From Greek tragedy through Shakespearean slanging matches and contemporary clans, shows with family drama at their centre have always ruled our stages.

That’s certainly true of London theatre this year, which features a range of bickering families – from plays like *[Long Day's...

Watch West End family dramas on the London stage

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Enter the homes of these loving but fraught families in West End plays such as *Long Day's Journey Into Night* and musicals like *Back to the Future*.

Get ready for what promises to be the most talked-about play of the year. Hollywood star John Lithgow will play Roald Dahl in a new drama, *[Giant](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39984-giant)*, which sees the famous author about to release his children’s book *The Witches*, but then rocked by a scandal surrounding anti-Semitic comments he made in an article.

Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play, directed by Nicholas Hytner (artistic director of the Bridge Theatre), also stars Elliot Levey...

Learn more about John Lithgow's career ahead of him playing Roald Dahl in 'Giant'

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The Tony and Emmy-winning Hollywood actor is starring in Mark Rosenblatt’s provocative new play *Giant* at the Royal Court in London this autumn.

New British musical *Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)* has extended performances by seven weeks at the Criterion Theatre in the West End. The show is now booking until 31 August.

Jim Barne and Kit Buchan's musical transferred to the West End earlier this month, following a sold-out, extended run at London's Kiln Theatre.

The production stars Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty (*Dear Evan Hansen*) as Dougal and Dujonna Gift (*Hamilton, Caroline or Change, Motown: The Musical*) as Robin. 

The full creative team includes director and choreographer Tim Jackson, designer Soutra Gilmour, lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designer Tony Gayle, and orchestration by Lux Pyramid.

[In a review for London Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/two-strangers-carry-a-cake-across-new-york-review-criterion-theatre), our critic said: "Barne and Buchan have crafted a sharp modern update to the Richard Curtis-esque Transatlantic meet-cute, adding welcome spice to that treacly recipe."

The musical follows Dougal as he heads to New York for his dad's second wedding. Once there, he meets New Yorker and sister of the bride Robin and, together, they embark on a 36-hour journey across the city.

Book [*Two Strangers* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/38626-two-strangers-carry-a-cake-across-new-york) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=38626&content_product_id=38626&venue_id=132&product_type=show&qt=2)

*Photo credit: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). (Photo by Tristram Kenton)*

'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' extends performances through August 2024

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Production Image of Two Strangers Carry A Cake (Across New York) in London, featuring Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift

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Two Strangers (carry a cake across New York) Poster

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Let them eat cake this spring at the Criterion Theatre! But be alert, this is a very special wedding cake that needs special handling – be careful not to drop it! Book *Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)* tickets on London Theatre now.

Following a sold-out run at the Kiln Theatre over Christmas, award-winning songwriting team Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s show transfers to the West End’s Criterion Theatre. The high society wedding of Dougal’s dad and Robin’s sister comes with great expectations and emotions are running high.

Dougal hasn’t seen his dad in, well, forever, and Robin and her sister have a tricky relationship. Meeting as strangers, odd couple Dougal and Robin embark on an action-packed and soul-searching 36 hours in the city that never sleeps – with plenty of hilarity.

In this two-hander, Olivier Award-winning young star Sam Tutty, who won just about every award going for his performance in *Dear Evan Hansen* plays lovable Brit-in-New-York Dougal. He’s joined by the equally impressive Dujonna Gift as the streetwise native New Yorker Robin. Gift’s credits include *Caroline or Change, Dear Evan Hansen*, and *Hamilton*, and next year she’ll be seen in a featured role in Disney’s live action remake of *Snow White*.

London Theatre enjoyed the way the show “plays homage to classic romcoms with a platonic twist… it’s sweet and sentimental without being schmaltzy.” And in a five-star review in The Observer, it’s noted that “its charm is in an intelligently calculated magic that does not lose sight of real life in all its bittersweetness and struggle.”

To add to the rom-com vibes, the musical is set during the run-up to Christmas, so enjoy the festive season all over again as spring comes to London. Book *Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)* on London Theatre now.

Two Strangers - LON - London Theatre

Transferring to the West End from a sold-out run at the Kiln Theatre, *Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)* is the creation of award-winning songwriting team Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. Together, they have developed a miniature modern classic in the form of this enchanting two-hander musical performed by the Olivier Award-winning young star Sam Tutty, opposite the equally gifted Dujonna Gift. Opposites attract – and it doesn’t have to be romantic to be life-changing.

*Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)* premiered regionally under the title *The Season* in 2019. As a writing partnership, Jim Barne and Kit Buchan have won the Stage Debut Award and the Stiles & Drewe Prize for new musical theatre.

Reprising his role from the Kiln, Sam Tutty plays Dougal. Tutty made his professional debut in the title role in *Dear Evan Hansen*, for which he won the 2020 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical (among other accolades). He has appeared on screen in *Hollyoaks*.

Also returning is Dujonna Gift as Robin. Gift’s credits include *Caroline or Change, Hamilton,* and *Dear Evan Hansen* alongside Tutty. In 2025, she will be seen in the featured role of Maple in Disney’s live-action *Snow White* remake. Tutty and Gift are directed by Tim Jackson, who choreographed Maria Friedman’s production of *Merrily We Roll Along* at New York Theatre Workshop, starring Daniel Radcliffe.

Filled with catchy tunes and helmed by two wonderfully lovable performances, don’t miss the chance to enjoy Christmas in New York this spring in Piccadilly Circus!

## What to watch for
- At 22, Sam Tutty became one of the youngest-ever Olivier Award winners for his performance in *Dear Evan Hansen*. He also won a Critics’ Circle Theatre Award (Most Promising Newcomer); a WhatsOnStage Award (Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical); The Stage Debut Award for Best Performer in a Musical and Best West End Debut Performance. No one else stood a chance in 2020!
- Director Tim Jackson is quite the theatrical polymath. A Music graduate of the University of Oxford, he has worked as a director, choreographer, musical director, musical arranger, vocal coach, and performer.
- Co-writer Kit Buchan is an accomplished poet, having been published in *Poetry Review, The White Review*, and more.

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Enjoy Christmas in New York this spring in London! Ahead of the wedding of the year, the bride’s native New Yorker sister and the groom’s British son meet up for the first time. In this hilarious and bittersweet two-hander *Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)*, Olivier Award-winner Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift make a brilliant double act, performing Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s fabulous songs.

A new British musical from writers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan.

Born in Crawley in 1998, Sam Tutty is currently starring in Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s musical *[Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/38626-two-strangers-carry-a-cake-across-new-york)* at the Criterion Theatre in the West End.

He is best known for his West End debut as Evan in *[Dear Evan Hansen](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/15595-dear-evan-hansen)*. He originated the role in London, following in the footsteps of Ben Platt who originated the character of Evan Hansen on Broadway.

Tutty spent the first decade of his life in West Sussex, before moving north to Hull. He later returned down south and attended Imberhorne Secondary School, whose alumni include 9 to 5 star Louise Redknapp. During his school years, he appeared in a number of productions including The Wizard of Oz.

After compulsory schooling, Tutty trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, later making his off-West End debut as Daniel in Once on this Island. His performance at Southwark Playhouse was widely praised, and a career in the West End looked promising. Tutty was originally cast as the alternate Evan for Dear Evan Hansen, however he was later promoted to the titular character.

His first performance as Evan was on 9 October 2019, ahead of an official opening night on 19 November 2019. In a review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, Mark Shenton said: “Tutty is another discovery, who pulls off the rare trick of projecting adolescent angst and insecurity with paradoxically confident ease. With his strawberry blonde hair and slight physical bearing, he embodies a nerdy character… There's a truthfulness to his acting - and a robust singing voice - that makes him feel utterly authentic and intensely moving.” In 2020, Tutty won an Olivier for Best Actor in a Musical.

Sam Tutty - LON

Born in Crawley in 1998, Sam Tutty is best known for his West End debut as Evan in Dear Evan Hansen. He originated the role in London, following in the footsteps of Ben Platt who originated the character of Evan Hansen on Broadway.

Sam Tutty - Stars on Stage | London Theatre

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Dujonna Gift is currently starring as New Yorker Robin in Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s new British musical *[Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/38626-two-strangers-carry-a-cake-across-new-york)* at the Criterion Theatre in the West End.

Gift has starred in a number of hit West End musicals, including *Dear Evan Hansen, Caroline, Or Change, Motown: The Musical*, and *Hamilton*. 

She is set to appear as Maple in the live-action remake of Disney’s *Snow White* in 2025, alongside Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.

Dujonna Gift — LON

Dujonna Gift is currently starring as New Yorker Robin in Jim Barne and Kit Buchan’s new British musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) at the Criterion Theatre in the West End.

Dujonna Gift - Stars on Stage | London Theatre

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Be among the first to see the West End Premiere of this theatrical experience from September 2023.

When the Criterion Theatre first opened in 1873, the space was designed as a concert hall. The Criterion Theatre is the only West End theatre to be situated almost entirely underground — even the Upper Circle is not at street level. 

The Criterion Theatre housed comic opera in its early years, including works by W. S. Gilbert and George Grossmith. A decade after opening, the theatre had to be renovated to meet the Metropolitan Board of Works standards for ventilation. This work also saw the installation of electricity to the theatre. The building surrounding the theatre was extensively rebuilt between 1989 and 1992, but the Victorian auditorium was well-preserved and still stands today. 

Notable shows at the Criterion Theatre include *The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)* by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, the long-running play *The 39 Steps* and Mischief Theatre's *The Comedy About A Bank Robbery*.

## Criterion Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels – Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle.

The front rows of the Stalls offers good views of the stage, though the seating is not raked steeply. 

The Dress Circle has specifically designated ‘restricted view’ seats due to the number of pillars supporting the Upper Circle in Row C.

The Upper Circle offers unrestricted theatre views.

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Criterion Theatre

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Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift star in this adorable two-hander by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. Performances have been extended to 31 August.

'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' extends performances through August 2024

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