Four star review of Northern Ballet's The Great Gatsby

Former artistic director David Nixon’s adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic jazz age novel skilfully translates into dance the story of mysterious, melancholy millionaire Jay Gatsby, whose extravagant parties at his Long Island mansion are legendary, and his longing for former love Daisy. When he meets her again years later, through her cousin Nick Carraway who rents a cottage nearby, she is now married but there is clearly still a spark between them, which sets of a series of events with ultimately tragic consequences.

The joyful, exuberant, drunken party scenes at Gatsby’s mansion provide spectacularly glitzy and glamorous set pieces but the production does not shy away from the darker aspects of the novel, touching upon Gatsby’s secret possibly criminal past, the arrogant, reckless behaviour of the wealthy elite and the gap between rich and poor. Visually it is beautiful – Jerome Kaplan’s simple but stunning set design creates a sense of space and grandeur, effortlessly transitioning between scenes using minimalist signifiers, while the sumptuous Chanel-inspired costumes are carefully designed to enhance the grace of the dancers’ movements.

Richard Rodney Bennett’s lavish, cinematic score heightens the whole experience, brilliantly performed by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia with guest contributions from jazz musicians that help to firmly place the action in its 1920s setting.

The thoughtful choreography elicits a range of emotion: from upbeat, raucous and energetic whole company dances – the Charleston is a particular highlight – to incredibly poignant moments of reflection. The pas de deux between Gatsby and Daisy in which they try to recapture the carefree passion of their youth is both sensual and moving.

The acting, too, is superb from the whole ensemble. Joseph Taylor as Gatsby gives a carefully contained performance, skilfully conveying his character’s unease with himself as well as his desire to return to a simpler, more innocent past. This is the jewel in the crown of Northern Ballet’s impressive repertoire and one not to miss.

To March 18; at Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield, March 21-25.