The Great Gatsby at Derby Theatre Review
Written by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Caution: This show contains violence, themes of a sexual nature, weapons, loud noise and bright lights.
In its 50th year, Derby Theatre hosts this new adaptation of The Great Gatsby to mark not only its incredible theatre, the only learning theatre in the U.K., but also to celebrate 100 years since the release of this classic romance novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Whilst members of the audience embraced the spirit, dressing in sequins and 1920s flapper dresses, this production, directed by Sarah Brigham and adapted by Elizabeth Newman, did not deliver the glitz, glamour and gossip associated with this timeless story.
Opening with the introduction of the various characters, Nick Carraway, played by David Rankine, narrates and explains that he has moved to the suburb of New York known as West Egg in Long Island. He hears from neighbours and residents of Long Island about his neighbour, the mysterious and elusive Jay Gatsby, before he meets him himself. Is he a spy or is he a criminal? Rumours are all across Long Island, and Nick doesn’t know what to think or believe.
Played by Oraine Johnson, Jay and Nick explore the themes of class and privilege through their narration and interactions with each other. Both David and Oraine played their roles incredibly well and at times held the show together. Without their acting talent, this review would have lost another star.
Musical director Shonagh Murray provided the production with some fantastic snippets and snapshots of jazz music and the sounds of the 1920s. I would have liked to have heard full songs a bit more interspersed throughout the show, as the main singer was phenomenally talented!
Adding to the lacklustre effect that this show had on me, the scenery and costumes were particularly minimal. The audience had to use their imagination too much in terms of setting and props. Gatsby spoke about his love of reading and the fact that he had a large library, but there wasn’t one book to be seen on stage!
Derby Theatre’s production clearly had good intentions, and it was evident what the company was striving to achieve. However, when compared to other local venues like the Theatre Royal in Nottingham or Curve in Leicester, it fell short of expectations. The overall performance felt somewhat stiff and lacked energy. Given that the original novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a literary masterpiece, I had hoped for a production that captured more of its depth and brilliance.
The themes of class and community are extremely timely in today’s society, particularly in the USA, and this production could really have delivered food for thought in these trying times.
I hope Derby Theatre continues to aim to provide a creative and innovative programme in the coming months. I look forward to seeing their festive offerings throughout December.
This production of The Great Gatsby continues at Derby’s Theatre until Saturday 25th October 2025.
There are a number of fantastic upcoming productions taking the stage at Derby’s Theatre over the festive season. Charles Dickens’ iconic ‘Oliver Twist’ is being given the magic treatment over the Christmas period and plays at Derby Theatre from Friday 28th November 2025 until Saturday 3rd January 2026. In terms of family theatre offerings ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ is on stage from Monday 8th December 2025 until Saturday 3rd January 2026.
★★★
