Review: The Great Gatsby at Riverside Studios

The Great Gatsby

Riverside Studios (Studio 3)

Reviewed on Friday 24th May 2013

I have never read The Great Gatsby but my understanding is that the perspective of the novel is primarily internal, focussing on the thoughts and emotions of its characters and little on action and events. A work difficult to translate on stage, yet this new musical adaptation manages to create an entertaining and mostly light-hearted evening through clear story-telling, a lyrical soundtrack and some captivating performances.

The Great Gatsby is an exploration of family life within American East Coast high society during prohibition. The complex plot, complete with various intrigues, extra-marital affairs and killings, is accessibly conveyed through Linnie Reedman's script, which manages to retain a sense of period whilst utilising a modern idiom and style of humour, often awkward. 

The story is further enhanced through the use of music and songs, written by Joe Evans, some of which is quite affecting, and some of which still needs development. However, the instrumental arrangements by Chris Walker are beautiful enough to rescue the pieces that are dull or unnecessary. The songs themselves provide a useful commentary but are quite forgettable and it would have been nice for more attention to have gone into the vocal arrangements.

This is an an actor-musician piece but you hardly notice: the actors slip in and out of the on-stage 'pit' and rarely play within the acting space. They all play very well, especially the girls on strings. Unfortunately some of the vocals are weak and at times become hard to listen to. 

On the whole, the actors are great: the cast fills the stage with the careless decadence of the era in a way that is both inviting and intimate. There is something very charming about all the characters, but especially Imogen Daine's portrayal of Jordan Baker as she finds unexpected ways of interpreting the script to make her character vivid and dynamic. 

The character and actor by whom I was most affected and intrigued was Nick Carraway, played by Sid Phoenix. He stands alone as moral observer to the tragic events and Phoenix convincingly defines the character's journey from optimistic naivete to one weary of society.

This piece impresses in many ways: from Lee Proud's subtle yet fun and impactive choreography, to Greg Arrowsmith's graceful touch on the grand piano and expert musical direction, and a multi-talented cast who infuse the musical with energy and entertainment. It does feel, though, that this piece is still in development and its winning formula has not quite been found. However, with a few tweaks the show has the potential to grow and I will be interested to see the next stage in the evolution of this new musical play.

Reviewed by Ted McMillan

ted@westendframe.com 

The Great Gatsby runs at Riverside Studios (studio 3) until Saturday 8th June 2013. 

Please visit www.riversidestudios.co.uk for further information and tickets. 

Click here to read our recent interview with Michael Lindall, starring in The Great Gatsby at Riverside Studios

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