Jonathan Bailey’s Childhood Best Friend Kit Buchan Recalls Reaction to Actor’s Sexiest Man Alive Cover (Exclusive)

**Broadway Bound: Kit Buchan and Jim Barne’s Musical Triumph**

In an exciting turn of events for the Broadway scene, the musical ‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),’ crafted by Kit Buchan and Jim Barne, has garnered an impressive eight Tony Award nominations. These accolades include prestigious categories such as Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. The show, which explores the blossoming romance between two unlikely protagonists, has captivated audiences since its debut.

Buchan, reflecting on his journey, reveals a delightful anecdote about his childhood friend, Jonathan Bailey, who recently graced the cover of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive issue. Their bond stretches back to their youth, where both developed a mutual love for musical theatre. Buchan humorously recalls his response to the news: “If you’re the Sexiest Man Alive, I’d be the Sexist Man Deceased.” This light-hearted comment not only highlights their friendship but also serves to underscore Buchan’s fondness for Bailey’s impressive achievements.

The two friends reunited on the opening night of ‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)’ at New York’s Longacre Theatre in November 2025. Bailey, known for his role in ‘Wicked’, has maintained a steadfast support for Buchan’s artistic endeavours, with both reflecting on their shared history of attending theatre productions together during their formative years.

Buchan reminisces about their childhood, emphasising how transformative their shared experiences in musical theatre have been. “He’s been in so many shows in London. He’s a workhorse,” he remarks, praising Bailey’s extensive knowledge of the theatre landscape. “If you ever want to know who was in the original cast of this or that, he knows it back to front.” Their passion for performance and music has undoubtedly shaped their respective careers.

Following a successful run in London’s West End, ‘Two Strangers’ made the leap to Broadway, where it has received widespread acclaim. The show not only showcases Buchan and Barne’s talents as writers but also serves as a platform for rising stars Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, who have both received acting nominations for their performances. The pair’s recognitions have added to the excitement surrounding the production.

Buchan admits that he and Barne never anticipated their work would achieve such success, stating, “We didn’t even know it would come to New York. We didn’t expect anything!” The unexpected recognition has shifted their focus from personal accolades to the collaborative efforts that brought the musical to fruition. “Once we knew there was a chance of the show being nominated, we realised we wanted all of our friends and colleagues to be recognised,” he explains.

The emotional weight of the nominations hit Buchan and Barne significantly. They shared a moment of relief upon receiving the news, with Buchan commenting on the incredible support system surrounding their project. “To see their work recognised in this way was incredibly moving,” Barne adds, underlining the camaraderie that fuels their creativity.

Tickets for the captivating musical are currently available for purchase, as anticipation builds ahead of the upcoming 2026 Tony Awards. The awards ceremony is set to take place at Radio City Music Hall on June 7, and will be broadcast live across the United States. Audiences can expect to see the highlight from this year’s Tony nominations, showcasing the talented individuals behind ‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)’.

In a world where artistic expression shines brighter together, Buchan and Barne’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collaboration and friendship in the world of theatre. As the spotlight grows ever brighter on their work, both creators continue to celebrate the unique journey they have embarked upon, one filled with laughter, nostalgia, and shared dreams.