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Northern Ballet’s The Great Gatsby – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Reviewer: Sheila Stratford

Writer: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Music: Richard Rodney Bennett

Choreographer: David Nixon

It is after the Great War, in roaring ’20s America, where F. Scott Fitzgerald’s fictional character Jay Gatsby has amassed a great fortune and throws extravagant parties for the wealthy set. In his mansion in West Egg, Long Island, Gatsby looks across the bay and pines for his long lost love, Daisy. She lives in East Egg and is unhappily married to the deceitful and cheating Tom Buchanan. Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s new neighbour, is Daisy’s cousin and he arranges for Gatsby and Daisy to meet. The couple’s love is rekindled, but theirs is not the only love story. Tom Buchanan’s desires for a flirtatious Myrtle Wilson, married to a garage owner George Wilson, ends with tragic consequences.

The Great Gatsby, choreographed by Northern Ballet’s former Artistic Director, is brimming with the most joyous, dramatic and expressive ballet, conveying scenes of bygone opulence. The storytelling unfolds over two acts and numerous scenes; from the cottage at West Egg to lavish parties in the grounds of Gatsby’s mansion, to the streets of New York and the gritty garage where Myrtle lives in the Valley of Ashes with her husband George.

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The music played by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia and conducted by Jonathon Lo is sublime. The music is attributed to Richard Rodney Bennett but includes other tunes such as Charleston, a Tango, and When the Midnight Choo Choo to mention just a few of the evocative pieces. Premiered in 2013 by Northern Ballet, The Great Gatsby is a showcase of this wonderful company’s talents. Jonathan Hanks in the principal role as Jay Gatsby in this performance danced with such agility and strength. His intimate scenes with Daisy (Sarah Chun) were delightful. The many lifts were seamless and appeared effortless while all the time their facial expressions showed love and joy in each other presence.

The character of the duplicitous Tom Buchanan (Harry Skoupas), Daisy’s husband, skilfully evoked a sense of loathing with his arrogant moves and demeanour. Myrtle Wilson (Rachael Gillespie), Tom’s mistress, dances with a captivating presence. The pas de deux with Nick Carraway (Filippo Di Vilio) and Daisy are charming in the extreme. Myrtle’s husband George (Harris Beattie) gave a wonderful performance as the gritty garage owner with heartfelt passion.

Interlinking the many scenes were the Housekeeper, Maids and Butlers; they all played their part in creating the atmosphere and storytelling, as well as moving props on and off stage. Simple flat curtain screens mark the scene changes. These backdrops are sufficient to signal a change of place. Particularly poignant is the flashing, hazy green light across the bay that Gatsby gazes at, willing Daisy to be with him.

The lovely, fine, flowing chiffon dresses and tailed suits for the men all add to the glamour as the Gatsby Party Guests dance with such charm and aplomb. In contrast, the sharp black raincoats, and outdoor coats of the people of New York portray another side of society and sinister gangsters.

The Great Gatsbyis both a love story and a tragedy for the hero. For the audience, it is an absolutely great show – something not to be missed.

Runs until 25th March 2023.

The Reviews Hub Score

Stupendous

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The Reviews Hub - Yorkshire & North East

The Yorkshire & North East team is under the editorship of Jacob Bush. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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