The Great Gatsby
Review by Sam
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The hottest party of the summer has officially roared into the heart of the West End, as the Tony Award winning new musical opens at the London Coliseum.
Adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s landmark novel, The Great Gatsby transports audiences to the Roaring Twenties, where the mysterious Jay Gatsby entertains the rich with lavish parties. However, he never attends as he longs to be reunited with his former flame Daisy Buchanan, who he loved long before his 'new money'. Translating a beloved story is no easy feat, but creators Kait Kerrigan, Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen double down on the Jazz Age setting to boast a large scaled glitzy production that floods the huge Coliseum space with an explosion of energy that is rarely seen in the West End. Marc Bruni directs the spectacle, richly weaving breathtaking practical and seamless projected sets from Paul Tate dePOO III, stunning lighting design from Cory Pattak and immaculately glamourous costumes from Linda Cho into a highly entertaining theatrical event.
This grand adaptation primarily focuses on the central love story motifs, ensuring to still incorporate hints of Fitzgeralds famous thematic undertones. There are elements of the narrative that feel a little compacted and other which I’d hoped would lean further into the seriousness of the drama, however the show aims to be eye-catching fun and goes over and above to deliver this. The dynamic cast perform slick, elegant, and precise choreography to amplify the production and ensure it never misses a beat.
The central cast boasts some of the West End's biggest stars, with each performer emotively capturing their characters with vocal precision. Jamie Muscato is the perfect Gatsby, filling not just the stage but the entire Coliseum with sweeping vocals and a stage presence that instantly draws you in. Amber Davies gives a breathtaking stand-out performance as Jordan, delivering the infamous 'New Money'' number to perfection.
If you’re after a fun night out for all the family this summer, then head towards the green light of the London Coliseum for a party which guarantees not to disappoint, Old Sport.