The Great Gatsby – Review

The Great Gatsby: London Coliseum, London

16th April 2025

★★★★★

Fresh from its sell out success on Broadway, The Great Gatsby is the new musical based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, New York, this glitzy, glamorous musical tells the story of millionaire Jay Gatsby who entertains the rich and famous with riotous parties at his Long Island mansion. He longs to reunite with his former flame Daisy Buchanan, but Daisy comes from another lifetime, long before the money.

Everything in this production exudes 1920’s glamour from the art deco nuances to the stunning glittery outfits. It is clear that no expense has been spared in creating this stunning production. The lighting by Cory Pattak is exquisite and really helps to create the wonder onstage as are the highly detailed, intricate costumes by Linda Cho but it is the simply amazing set design that really makes this show stand out amongst all the others currently on the West End. The set by Paul Tate DePoo III, mixes modern digital display with automated set pieces including two working cars and huge panels all of which creates a sense of sheer size and depth to the stage. The set manages to whisk the audience from lavish jazz inspired parties at Jay Gatsby‘s to the shabby petrol forecourt and backstreet hotel room with ease. 

The cast, as you would expect, are simply amazing. When you have the likes of John Owen-Jones, Jon Robyns, and Rachel Tucker in a cast you know it’ll be top quality but none of the cast rely on their name and star appeal at all with each and every member of the cast simply excelling in all areas. Jamie Muscato‘s vocals are rich and deep managing to show subtle emotion without big gestures. His relationship with Daisy feels genuine and he is definitely a likeable character. Frances Mayli McCann is superb as Daisy managing to portray her as both powerful and independent whilst equally being stuck in an endless battle of class. Her vocals are top-notch, particularly in the moving song ‘Beautiful Little Fool‘. Amber Davies proves herself to be far more than a reality TV star as she gracefully moves around the stage commanding the audience to take her seriously as fiercely independent, modern Jordan Baker. Her famous number ‘New Money‘ is fantastic. Corbin Bleu is also brilliant as Nick Carraway, who almost acts as a catalyst for the drama which unfolds.

The original music and lyrics written by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen are fantastic. There is a range of songs from the jazz inspired ‘New Money‘ to the emotional numbers such as ‘One Way Road’ in which Rachel Tucker blows the audience away with her emotional powerful performance. There are also some large ensemble numbers and even comic songs such as ‘Only Tea‘. Throughout the whole show the vocals are excellent and the cast put their all into each word sung.

The choreography by Dominque Kelley draws further on the 1920’s style and is flapper girl and jazz inspired and works excellently. The lengthy tap sequence in ‘La Dee Dah With You‘ is a real hit with the audience. The ensemble cast take on lots of roles within the show and each character and dance move is hit with passion and conviction.

Quite simply, The Great Gatsby is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the ears. With a story that’s easy to follow and equally as easy to fall in love with, this is definitely one not to be missed during it strictly limited season run. From its glitzy costumes, to the vivid set and the incredible cast this musical is sure to stand out above the rest as one of the best shows of the year.

The Great Gatsby is playing at the London’s Coliseum for a strictly limited season until the 7th September 2025. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Johan Persson