The Great Gatsby continues at the Assembly Roxy until 24 August.
As we come into the theatre, there are a number of veiled figures drifting around, whispering. They are clearly gossiping about the audience – whether in a good or bad way doesn’t matter – it’s unsettling for many. The stage is empty save for a hoop suspended in mid-air. This is unusual, intriguing.
The telling of the tale is split between a range of theatrical techniques: the straightforward singing and dialogue, the scintillating choreography and acrobatics, and a large screen backdrop showing – in period style – footage that may relate to what is being played on stage, or revealing what is happening to characters offstage. This interlinking is most successful when Gatsby and Daisy meet for the first time in years. The projection shows them talking and laughing whilst the actors onstage dance an intricate and passionate pas de deux revealing their inner feelings. And right at the front of the stage, the Nick Carraway character sings directly to the audience.
This is a highly skilled and talented company of performers. Director Ryan Domres has created a visually stimulating piece full of style and often breathtakingly challenging choreography. At times, the style swamps the substance as the narrative struggles to maintain a through-line for the audience.
There are some excellent singing voices in this company. Occasionally these are overwhelmed by the backing tracks – perhaps genuine microphones onstage instead of the ‘prop’ studio microphones would have helped with the clarity. The crisp direction and movement of the entire piece is of a very high standard and one can clearly see there is more to this show than a standard Fringe time-slot will allow. A haunting, accomplished, piece.
Fiona Orr
* Blur
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/great-gatsby
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