English actor Sam Tutty, a Laurence Olivier Award winner for his role in the West End production of ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ is currently enjoying his time in Boston while co-starring in the play ‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)’ at the American Repertory Theater.
Tutty, who is 27 years old, expressed his fondness for the everyday experiences in Boston, saying, ‘Of course, I’m enjoying the touristy stuff, but I think my favorite thing is just working here and sort of settling in to this place… just blending in and doing the normal stuff like putting the wash in, but it’s in Boston.’
His role in ‘Two Strangers’ has been a transformative experience, especially with his current co-star, Christiani Pitts, who imbues the character of Robin with a fresh perspective.
Tutty noted, ‘There have been different Robins, so that means Dougal’s got to change as well. And that was a bit scary at first, because I had two years of muscle memory embedded in my body about how I would perceive this character to be, and then Christiani comes along and completely changes that.’
He finds excitement in reshaping his character, saying, ‘It was so fun to sort of start from scratch again.’
The play revolves around Dougal, a young and naïve British man attending his father’s second wedding in New York.
Robin, the bride’s sister and a native New Yorker, introduces a mix of traditional romantic comedy elements with unexpected turns as the two strangers profoundly impact each other’s lives.
Tutty emphasizes the importance of escapism in theater, saying, ‘We want to offer escapism for 2–2 ½ hours, so I hope they [audience members] feel happy, or entertained, or distracted by whatever’s going on in their lives — good or bad — for a certain amount of time.’
For him, the ultimate goal is to provide an enjoyable experience for the audience by evoking laughter, tears, and emotional connections.
In a recent conversation, Tutty shared his travel aspirations and experiences.
When asked where he would like to travel next, he expressed a desire to return to Switzerland.
He reminisced about a trip to the country with his partner, saying, ‘It was just the most magical experience I’ve ever had.’
The mountains were particularly awe-inspiring for him, highlighting a stark contrast to the landscape in the UK.
He recalled, ‘The concept of mountains is so surreal to us in the UK — to me, anyway — so when my partner and I saw them for the first time, it was crazy.’
From incredible driving to stunning views and engaging activities like tobogganing, Switzerland holds a special place in his heart.
Reflecting on travel logistics, Tutty expressed a preference for planning trips on his own, noting, ‘I prefer doing it by myself. I think you get more ownership, and you can cater to your own needs much easier.’
He also shared his thoughts on ‘unplugged’ vacations, suggesting that if being disconnected is essential for enjoyment, then it’s worthwhile.
Fortunately for him, he hasn’t had any disastrous vacation experiences. He did, however, recall a challenging camping trip his mother faced when he was a child.
Tutty remembered, ‘We booked a caravan [camper] that was covered in bugs.’, while he spent his time playing outside, oblivious to the situation.
His fondest memories of travel trace back to a family trip to Disney World when he was a teenager.
He referred to it as a classic experience, saying, ‘As cliché as it sounds, it was just everything that we hoped it would be.’
The anticipation leading up to the trip was palpable, with Tutty counting down the days excitedly.
He believes travel should encompass relaxation, learning, and adventure, stating, ‘If you don’t do all three, I would say it’s a missed opportunity.’
For his next vacation, he is eager to dive into the ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ series by Sarah J. Maas, a book he has read multiple times and thoroughly enjoyed.
When it comes to traveling with a celebrity, Tutty expressed a wish to travel with the late playwright Noël Coward, whose legacy he feels a connection to, especially after performing at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.
Tutty’s practical gift idea for travelers is a first aid kit, recognizing its potential importance while traveling.
He also shared his go-to snack for flights and road trips: crisps, as he prefers savory snacks over sweets.
Among souvenirs, he fondly remembers picking up a piece of volcanic rock during a childhood trip to Lanzarote, which he excitedly shared with his classmates.
For travel advice, he recommends Reddit for travel discussions, noting the value in threads about places and experiences.
Before arriving in Boston, he researched with YouTube’s ‘Do’s and Don’ts’, preparing himself for the new city.
Travel has imparted vital lessons to Tutty: it has broadened his perspective and illuminated his privilege as a traveler from the UK.
He concludes with an essential travel tip: ‘Stay hydrated. Drink water and wear sunscreen, regardless of the weather!’
With a blend of enthusiasm for his craft and an appreciation for global exploration, Sam Tutty continues to engage both on stage and beyond, embracing the exploration of life, adventure, and the world around him.
image source from：https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/05/lifestyle/vip-lounge-sam-tutty-art-boston/
