Review: GATSBY, Southwark Playhouse

Photo credit: Lidia Crisafulli

This unusual and dream-like musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby manages to use a minimal set and fabulous vintage aesthetic to bring this story to life, with the excellent cast kitted out in amazing and elaborate costumes designed by Belle Mundi.

The story is played out as Daisy reiterating the story to Theodore Wolf, as opposed to the original which is from Nick’s point of view, letting us see the story from a female perspective. This iteration has Daisy locked in a psychiatric unit for seven years by her husband and emerging to find out what has happened to Gatsby.

Director Linnie Reednan stated that she wanted to bring depth to the story and to the character of Daisy, relating her to the real life Zelda Fitzgerald. The twist at the end shows her committing an unspeakable act, which ruins the lives of others and her in the biggest way.

This adaptation also seems to convey a great deal of homoerotic chemistry that has been speculated about from the book. Nick’s attraction to Gatsby is suggested through an early line from Nick stating Gatsby had “a gorgeousness about him” and Jordan later implying Nick cares more about his friend than he does about her. Furthermore, when Nick is begging Gatsby to leave with him to escape his fate, there is a moment where it is sincerely wondered if they were going to kiss.

The whole cast do a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life and conveying the chemistry between them. Particular kudos must go to Freddie Love as Jordan Baker, who seems to embody the spirit of the 20s through her acting and presence, and Jodie Steele as Daisy, whose fantastic singing and great acting makes us root for the character of Daisy despite her questionable actions.

A splendid performance.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Alexis Grey

Gatsby runs until 8 January at Southwark Playhouse, with tickets available here.