Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 25th March 2023
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
5*****
The Great Gatsby stops off at the Sheffield Lyceum, with the intention of whisking you back to spend some time in the glitz and glam of the roaring 1920s, which it does with gust. This show was first premiered in 2013, choreographed by David Nixon CBE. Popular then, as it is now, with no real changes apart from some costume updates, be prepared to feel in awe of the talent and the skill that awaits you.
It is the year 1922 and moving to Long Island is Nick Carraway to try and find a better life for himself. He finds accommodation and his neighbour is Jay Gatsby (millionaire) who happens to throw the most glamorous parties. Jay is not satisfied with his life and just wants to be able to re kindle the relationship that he had with Daisy Fay which they had before he left to fight in the war. But Daisy is now married to Tom Buchanan (unhappily). Nick discovers that Tom is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, who is married to George the mechanic! Daisy and Gatsby end up having an affair and the story unfolds quite dramatically as you can imagine…
It is impossible to mention all the dancers that you will be blown away by as it is literally every single one, as you would expect with a crew as well-rehearsed as Northern Ballet but to mention a few; Harry Skoupas playing Tom, tall, dramatic and sharp with his delivery. Filippo Di Vilio playing Nick has the most charisma going! A playful and tremendous dancer. Harris Beattie is just sublime playing the gorgeous George, his fluidity and skill with the props he is given are second to none. Rachael Gillespie playing Myrtle Wilson is elegant and wonderful during her passionate scenes and finally we have to mention Sarah Chun playing Daisy Buchanan, so very feminine and delicately tells her story well.
There were some real standout moments during the show including the scenes at the garage with George, he used a tire to dance with and makes it look like it has almost become part of him, he make it look so effortless. The colours and the energetic typical 20’s themed party that takes place at Gatsbys mansion leaves you filled with joy, it is so not expected from a Northern Ballet production and even has singing from the cast on stage. The set during this scene is just beautiful, hats off to the designers.
This is not your typical Northern Ballet production and at times there is a felling of a Matthew Bourne ballet, especially during the garage scenes. A wonderful, inspiring, jaw-dropping piece of theatre.