London Theatre Review: The Great Gatsby

I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I have never read The Great Gatsby and didn’t know the story prior to seeing the West End show, but the surprise I experienced watching this expertly performed adaptation made it well worth the visit and I am glad I went in not knowing the plot.

The other audience members clearly did know what to expect and were eagerly anticipating the show; many were even wearing 1920s-inspired outfits. 

Directed by Marc Bruni, with music and lyrics by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen and a book by Kait Kerrigan, the show has been packed full of musical numbers, adding colour, energy and emotion to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic story and bringing the 1920s to life on stage.

The live band help to emphasise the energy on stage, particularly when they are incorporated into the performance as the orchestra for Jay Gatsby’s wild parties.

I enjoyed the changing staging, which ranges from the opulent golds of Jay Gatsby’s new money mansion, to the downtrodden filling station owned by George Wilson and his wife Myrtle. The use of moving props, particularly the cars, created various environments that helped move the story from one scene to the next without a break. The simple background projection behind the set helps to add further atmosphere.

Corbin Bleu expertly guides the audience through the story in his role as the character and narrator, Nick Carraway. His relationship with Jordan Baker, played by Amber Davies, who is best known for winning series three of ITV’s Love Island, provides an element of humour in what is an emotionally charged and serious performance. I was particularly impressed by Davies, who took on the character of golfer Jordan Baker with high energy and a powerful singing voice, repeatedly ending songs to huge cheers from the audience. 

Jamie Muscato takes on the role of Jay Gatsby and his performance was conflicted and mysterious, complimented excellently by his supporting cast, particularly Daisy Buchanan, played by Frances Mayli McCann, who Gatsby longs to reunite with.

McCann is a star in her own right and the relationships she presents on stage with her character’s friend Jordan Baker, husband Tom Buchanan and former flame Jay Gatsby seem genuine, as though you are watching private conversations.

The performances by the entire cast were faultless and entertaining - I would actually be unable to highlight each of the performers without running out of adjectives. 

The creative team has done an excellent job to incorporate lighter, comedic elements and the occasional euphemism into the performance, contrasting with the mystery of Gatsby’s character and the serious circumstances told in the story. Each of these moments brought laughter from the audience, with one euphemism-packed musical number bringing guffaws from the stalls.

I would urge you to go, for a night packed full of glamour, music and mystery.