However you have come to THE GREAT GATSBY, whether you’ve read the original F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, either at school or since. Perhaps you’ve seen one of the three movies made over the years (1949, 1974 and 2013). Then of course there are countless stage adaptations or even these immersive experiences which are all the rage right now.
However you have consumed this story in the past, I can guarantee you have never seen it told like the NORTHERN BALLET production on stage at the New Theatre in Cardiff this week.
Let’s start our review with the thoughts of the first night audience who were clearly moved and overwhelmed with the whole production…….
It’s an incredible production for a few reasons, first and foremost we need to mention lockdown.
Dance is a particularly tough discipline as it requires strength and agility. It’s based on good technique filled with emotions, feelings, passion and with a company such as Northern Ballet, an understanding and trust in your fellow artists. All of which takes rehearsals, practice, intense choreography and time together, something we have all missed over the last couple of years.
So to witness a production, which was nigh on flawless, was something very special for us in the audience.
Gatsby is a proper story and there’s no one better at storytelling than Northern Ballet, under the direction and choreography of DAVID NIXON, who has waved some special magic over this production (only those of a certain age will get the reference). David left NB recently after 20 years as Artistic Director and I think it’s fair to say that without his incredible vision the company wouldn’t be delivering works such as Gatsby.
This production is about as stylish and glamorous as you’ll get, everything you’d want from a telling of this social commentary of a novel.
It’s the summer of 1922 when Nick Carraway (SEAN BATES), who is the narrator of our story (in the book), moves from Minnesota to work in New York. The suburb of Long Island, where Nick rents a house, is full of the ‘new rich’ who have recently made their fortunes, it’s there we meet self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby (JOSEPH TAYLOR), who seemingly has it all. I say seemingly because, despite the glamorous parties and perfect lifestyle, Gatsby is chasing his own dream: to show his true love, Daisy Fay (ABIGAIL PRUDAMES), that he is the man for her.
It’s here the story gets complicated – and wouldn’t you know that love is at the heart of it. Gatsby had Daisy before he left to fight in the war. Now he’s back, he finds that Daisy, who is also Nick’s cousin, is now unhappily married to wealthy Tom Buchanan (LORENZO TROSSELLO) and lives on the other side of the bay.
There’s plenty of champagne flowing at these parties, which inevitably lead to some drunken behaviour with fists flying, but perhaps not in the way, or direction you’d think.
It’s a dramatic moment in the book and even more so on stage, which I’m not going to spoil here. Needless to say it’s a shocking plot twist but one which firmly establishes the characters.
Although the original book is officially a novel, it comes in at just 47,000 words, nevertheless, it’s a big story to tell and indeed stage.
The design by Jérôme Kaplan, is flexible, minimal and really captures the essence of the era. The set is grey and almost drab, but that in itself is its genius. It’s like a bit of stage magic just how quickly the set changes. Going from New York to New Jersey and then off to a glamorous party, all in the blink of an eye. Add the lighting by Tim Mitchell and the nostalgic effect is complete. I really like how shadows were used to maximum effect, particularly on the city streets where it made the stage seem busy and full of commuters.
The music too is both awesome and emotional. Using the works of Richard Rodney Bennett perfectly expresses the era. With Charlestons and tango’s and the most infectious melodies. I mentioned this to a few people last night that you could put the orchestra on stage, playing this wonderful score, and you’d have another show all of its own.
Outstanding job by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia under the Conductor DANIEL PARKINSON and Sinfonia Leader GEOFFREY ALLAN.
The way they introduce and use flashbacks in the production to help explain and move the story forward is really inventive. The young Gatsby for example (HARRIS BEATTIE) is in a short routine near the start where the two of them (old & young) mirror each others movements, explaining the link without any words spoken. The young Daisy (RACHEL GILLESPIE) is also a key part of the flashback scenes.
On the subject of younger characters, there is the cutest little girl who plays Daisy’s daughter (BEATRICE FISHER), by permission of Children’s Ballet Wales. She is only on stage a short time but is a bit of a scene stealer to be honest.
There is also a passion running through this production which is, at times, electrifying. The passion in the dancing of course, but also a physical passion which manifests itself in George Wilson’s garage, when George (RIKU ITO) and Myrtle (MINJU KANG) get caught up in a torrid scene – involving a car tyre. Don’t ask, just go and watch.
Actually, Riku is the only performer who gets to dance with props during the show, and mightily effective he is too.
Passions rise again towards the end of Act 1 and once again in Act 2. Each time they are both heartfelt and zealous, but always in good taste.
Gatsby is all about the characters, and for those of us who walk around with the novel on our tablet, know how important narration is to the story. I have to confess I was concerned how this would work within a ballet – I needn’t have been. Northern ballet have skilfully adapted the story and with their beautiful choreography and stunning staging, have breathed new life into this classic tale.
If like me you think Gatsby without narration won’t work, I can tell you it most certainly does.
We saw some of the best dancers Norther Ballet has to offer on stage last night. The first act is mainly about the fun, playful parties with plenty of Charleston moves working seamlessly with the classical ballet steps. The act closed with a beautiful pas de deux for Daisy and Gatsby.
As act two begins it’s all change, as Gatsby’s mysterious past begins to unravel. Around ten minutes before the dramatic end you have a sense of where the story is going to take us, when we get there, it still takes your breath away. The way it is staged and presented is a simple no frills finish to a brilliant telling of a classic tale.
For those of you reading this thinking that ballet isn’t for you I would urge you to think again. I am certain that if this is your first visit to a show of this type, then Northern Ballet are the company to lead you by the hand, and surprise you. This is not just ballet, it is a complete storytelling experiences through one of the best contemporary dance company’s around.
Gatsby is a fitting celebration of the incredible work of David Nixon over the last twenty years, and that too of this dedicated company of performers, who have brushed away the stress of the last two years to bring something incredibly special on stage.
THE GREAT GATSBY is at the New Theatre in Cardiff for the rest of the week through till Saturday 11th. Performances are at 7:30pm with 2:30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets range from £21 to £45 with a variety of concessions along the way. For more details, and to book yours, go HERE.
Take a look at our original feature on the production HERE.
And if you’d like to brush up n the show and story before you go to see it, I can recommend a visit to the Northern Ballet site HERE.
