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Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Two strangers carry a budding romance, and a cake, across New York
The musical, by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, makes the most of Tutty's irresistible charm as the naïve fish-out-of-water, in contrast to Pitts's jaded Robin. Tutty and Pitts have terrific chemistry, and Tutty absolutely delivers on Robin's description of Dougal as 'a Golden Retriever with less boundaries.' His opening number, 'New York,' perfectly captures Dougal's childlike excitement about his 48-hour adventure in a city he expects to be defined by the cherished movies he's seen (including 'Taxi Driver,' 'Midnight Cowboy,' and 'Big'). Advertisement Despite her eye rolls, it's clear Robin finds his comically dorky impersonations more endearing than she'd like to admit. Tutty has impressive vocal chops and dance moves, both of which feel wild and free — when he lets them explode — even though we know they were precisely rehearsed and choreographed. Advertisement Pitts's character is explored in 'What'll It Be,' a heartfelt ballad set in the Bump and Grind, the coffee shop where Robin works, as she wonders what will be next for her. Pitts, too, is a stunning singer and actor, giving the audience a haunting tour of her childhood neighborhood in 'This Is the Place' with all the love and regret that can entail. Tutty and Pitts in "Two Strangers." Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall Director and choreographer Tim Jackson moves his two performers effortlessly up, down, and around Soutra Gilmour's inventive baggage claim area set. Gilmour's piles of suitcases turn to provide different scenes, even as an outer turntable allows the actors to cover a lot of ground — a visit to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, a sumptuous Plaza hotel room, an Uber ride and a coffee shop, and even a Chinese restaurant. Gilmour's collection of seemingly nondescript luggage also provides a delightfully surprising array of closets and cabinets as needed. Every inch of the space is employed in a climactic booze-fueled spree through New York, courtesy of Dougal's estranged father's credit card. Despite the limitations of creating dance routines that can be safely executed on a narrow, moving turntable, the couple's fearless energy, whipped up lighting, and spot-on timing (watch for the appearance of his tux jacket) are perfectly combined. Barne and Buchan's musical numbers are pleasantly, sometimes humorously derivative, with a special nod to Stephen Sondheim's patter songs in 'The Hangover Duet.' Jeffrey Campos leads the crisp five-piece band (keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and percussion). Advertisement The magical moments emerge from the clever and funny banter between Dougal and Robin, which reveals more about their characters than the exposition-heavy phone calls and letters that slow the action down. This is perfectly summed up by a subplot in which Dougal helps Robin find a match on a dating app. His sweet understanding of what she's looking for could have been more deeply explored. 'Two Strangers' finishes with a big, heartwarming number, 'If I Believed' — spoiler alert, there is snow — leaning more into cliché than necessary. Like a Hallmark movie, 'Two Strangers' boasts enough humor and whimsy to be sweet and superficially appealing, but at the end, all we're left with is the superficial. TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK) Musical by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan. Directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson. Music direction by Jeffrey Campos. A Kiln Theatre production, produced by the American Repertory Theater. Loeb Drama Center, Brattle Street, Cambridge, through July 13. Tickets from $35. 617-547-8300,
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC EastEnders Ben Mitchell tipped for soap return following axe
BBC EastEnders Ben Mitchell tipped for soap return following axe EastEnders Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, is set to make an iconic return to Albert Square later this year after two years away from the BBC soap with bosses keen to give his character a second chance. Max Bowden could be reprising his role as Ben Mitchell (Image: BBC / Jack Barnes ) EastEnders fans are in for a treat, as it seems another familiar face will make an iconic return to the soap later this year. Max Bowden, famed for his role as Ben Mitchell, is set to make a comeback two years on from his exit. It comes as viewers were thrilled when it was announced that Jack Wood would be reprising his role of Max Branning. Now, there's one more to add to the list for fans of the BBC soap to look forward to. Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, will reportedly be back for a brief stint in the show later this year, with the possibility of coming back full time as reported by the Mirror. The star was axed from the BBC soap back in December 2023 after fronting the role of Ben Mitchell for five years. His final scenes commenced in April the following year. The character left the show after being arrested for an international crime, and is now held in an American prison. Ben, and his dad Phil, are still often mentioned in the soap. Reports at the time suggested that as Max's contract came to an end, bosses decided not to extend it. However, it's been reported that new boss Ben Wadey wants to give the star another chance. Max's character Ben is currently in a US prison on EastEnders and only briefly mentioned (Image: BBC ) Article continues below A source told the Sun of the reported return: 'Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It's taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.' 'Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at," the source continued, revealing that the new boss went to see the actor in the musical Midnight Cowboy. 'Things hadn't ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start," the source continued. They then revealed that Max had "agreed to come back for a short stint" after Ben pitched a comeback storyline for the character. "But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max," the source concluded. Shortly after his onscreen exit last year, Max took to Instagram to write: "It's been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives. I had an amazing five years at @bbceastenders and learnt a hell of a lot about myself and the craft I love so dearly; it got me through some very hard personal times and I will be forever grateful! I really will never be able to thank everybody for the support enough, because the fans of the show are so passionate, caring, and invested and it enables us as actors to want to keep going and always be better; so I really do from the bottom of my heart appreciate every single person who has sent any sort of positivity my way over the last five years - I love you all. Ben Mitchell 6.0 over and out. Goodbye EE! I'll miss you all. X." EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Article continues below
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders star to make 'shock return as iconic character' two years after being being brutally axed
Ex EastEnders star Max Bowden is reportedly set to make a shock return as Ben Mitchell, two years after being axed from the soap. The actor, 30, who played the iconic character for four years, is said to have been given a second chance by new boss Ben Wadey, after his contract was not renewed in 2023 following reported warnings from producers about his behaviour. According to The Sun Max will return for a guest stint which could possibly lead to a full time role on the soap once more. A source told the publication: 'Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It's taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.' The actor is currently performing in West End musical Midnight Cowboy and the show's new boss reportedly visited him at the theatre to 'see where his head was at'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Ex EastEnders star Max Bowden, 30, is reportedly set to make a shock return as Ben Mitchell, two years after being axed from the soap (pictured on the soap) The actor is said to have been given a second chance by new boss Ben Wadey, after his contract was not renewed following reported warnings from producers about his behaviour 'Things hadn't ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start. Max agreed to return for a short stint after Ben pitched his comeback storyline. MailOnline have contacted BBC and Max's reps for comment. Following his 2023 exit The Sun on Sunday claimed that the decision not to renew Max's contract was made after bosses had to discipline him. A source said at the time: 'Max is ready to move on. He is proud of his time on the show and what he has achieved but he is focused on new projects and what he is doing next.' It was reported that the actor had decisions with bosses for a chat with executives about his drama offscreen in 2022. A TV source said: 'Max was called in for a chat by executives. He is an extremely talented actor and was always a real pro on set. However, there were concerns that his partying lifestyle away from the set could start to prove a distraction.' An EastEnders spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Max will be leaving EastEnders next year. We wish him all the best for the future.' A TV insider told The Sun: 'Max has played Ben for the last four years and bosses decided his time on the show was up. Max will return for a guest stint which could possibly lead to a full time role on the soap once more Following his 2023 exit it was claimed that the decision not to renew Max's contract was made after bosses had to discipline him Max, who is the sixth actor to play Ben, was involved in some of the soap's biggest storylines of late 'There has been a lot of noise around him for a bit too long and that can take away from the drama on the show. 'He went in for a meeting as his contract was up for renewal next year, No one knew how it was going to go and following discussions it was decided that he would leave.' Max, who is the sixth actor to play Ben, was involved in some of the soap's biggest storylines of late. Ben struggled to cope with the death of Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) who was mother to his daughter Lexi. He then developed eating disorder bulimia as he attempted to work through his grief. It comes after Max's former co-star Lacey Turner discussed her 'never-ending guilt' before making the bombshell decision to quit the show. The actress, 37, joined the cast as Stacey Slater in 2004, and after departing in 2010, she reprised her role in 2014, but she is set to leave the show again later this year. She is stepping back to focus on her family life with her husband Matt Kay and their three kids - daughters Dusty, five, and Gipsy, four months, and son Trilby, four. Now, Lacey has opened up about the 'guilt' she previously felt leaving her beloved children to go to work on the long-running BBC show. It comes after Max's former co-star Lacey Turner discussed her 'never-ending guilt' before making the bombshell decision to quit the show 'The older they get, the more you realise how quickly the little years pass. It's bonkers, so I take it day by day, week by week,' she told OK! Magazine. 'You feel guilty leaving them, but also guilty for not earning, it's just never-ending. But we've got to stop judging and start supporting each other.' Lacey said she is looking forward to taking a break, admitting she has never had one before, as she hopes to focus on her family and other work commitments. She also hit back at the judgement that is often placed on parents and said she wants to put an end to the opinion that people have to be 'rich' to be good parents. 'You don't need to have the most expensive formula or toys or pram - I overheard a couple saving up to have a baby, that shouldn't be the case,' she said. 'Parenting isn't about money, it's about love, time, and doing your best.'
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders legend to return to Albert Square after being booted off soap
EastEnders fans will reportedly be seeing yet another familiar face in Albert Square later this year - with one axed star making a comeback after two years away It looks like yet another familiar face is returning to EastEnders two years after being axed. Fans were overjoyed when it was reported Jack Wood would be reprising his role of Max Branning - and now there's one more to add to the list. Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell will reportedly be back for a brief stint in the show later this year, with the possibility of coming back full time. The star was axed the BBC soap in December 2023 after playing Ben Mitchell for five years. His final scenes played out in April the following year. The character left the show after being arrested for an international crime, and is now in prison in America. Ben is still mentioned from time to time, as his dad Phil, who recently went through a mental health crisis, often picks up the phone to speak to him. Reports at the time suggested that as Max's contract came to an end, bosses decided not to extend it and to write out both the character and Max. However, it's been reported that new boss Ben Wadey wants to give the star another chance. A source told the Sun of the reported return: 'Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It's taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.' 'Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at," the source continued - revealing that the new boss went to see the actor in the musical Midnight Cowboy. 'Things hadn't ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start," the source continued. They then revealed that Max had "agreed to come back for a short stint" after Ben pitched a comeback storyline for the character. "But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max," the source concluded. EastEnders declined to comment when approached by the Mirror. Shortly after his onscreen exit last year, Max took to Instagram to write: "It's been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives. I had an amazing five years at @bbceastenders and learnt a hell of a lot about myself and the craft I love so dearly; it got me through some very hard personal times and I will be forever grateful! I really will never be able to thank everybody for the support enough, because the fans of the show are so passionate, caring, and invested and it enables us as actors to want to keep going and always be better; so I really do from the bottom of my heart appreciate every single person who has sent any sort of positivity my way over the last five years - I love you all. Ben Mitchell 6.0 over and out. Goodbye EE! I'll miss you all. X."
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Huge ex-EastEnders star will make shock return to BBC soap two years after being brutally axed
BBC soap's new boss Ben Wadey is giving him another chance STAR'S COMEBACK Huge ex-EastEnders star will make shock return to BBC soap two years after being brutally axed EX-EastEnders star Max Bowden is making a shock return two years after he was axed. The actor, who played Ben Mitchell, will get a guest stint in the coming months, with a possible full-time role if all goes well. Then-showrunner Chris Clenshaw gave Max the boot at the end of 2023 during a showdown over his party lifestyle. But he has been given another chance by the BBC soap's new boss Ben Wadey. A source said: 'Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It's taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.' Last month, the new boss went to see Max, 30, in the musical Midnight Cowboy. The source added: 'Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at. 'Things hadn't ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start. "Max agreed to return for a short stint after Ben pitched his comeback storyline. "But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max.' The actor, who joined EastEnders in 2019, said last year: 'I did nearly 600 episodes in five years, which is a hell of a lot, and it was time for a rest.' He is reportedly dating actress Tori Allen-Martin, 38, his Midnight Cowboy co-star at London's Southwark Playhouse. EastEnders declined to comment. 'I wasn't me' reveals EastEnders star Max Bowden as he speaks out over controversial Ben Mitchell exit
