By F Scott Fitzgerald, adapted by Elizabeth Newman
Derby Theatre
3–25 October 2025

F Scott Fitzgerald’s tragedy novel The Great Gatsby was published 100 years ago, and it’s 50 years since Derby Theatre, formerly Derby Playhouse, opened on its current site. So it seems apt that Derby Theatre should produce a new version of Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.

Over the past century, The Great Gatsby has spawned at least six films, countless stage productions and two Broadway musicals, some with less success than others.

This is a co-production between Derby Theatre and Pitlochry Theatre. So how has Elizabeth Newman, Pitlochry’s former artistic director, gone about adapting Fitzgerald’s work? By going back to the book and using much of Fitzgerald’s language to tell the story.

The Great Gatsby is set in the summer of 1922 on Long Island, New York. Nick Carraway moves east to become a stockbroker, although he’s really a frustrated writer. He lives across the bay from his second cousin once removed, Daisy Buchanan, and her husband Tom.

Nick is neighbours with Jay Gatsby, a young millionaire with shady business connections who’d fallen in love with Daisy when they’d met during World War I. Gatsby, who throws lavish parties, is still besotted with Daisy and is obsessed with rekindling their romance. He asks Nick for help in seducing her.

David Rankine gives an excellent performance as Nick, who narrates the story. He’s easy-going at the start and optimistic about the future thanks to his belief in the American Dream. Rankine transforms admirably into a realist, despondent at the decadence and loose morals of the upper classes.

There is a hint of something deeper between Nick and Gatsby which Rankine cleverly brings out without allowing it to overpower the story. It adds to the mystery surrounding Gatsby, superbly depicted by Oraine Johnson.

The character isn’t introduced straightaway; the mystique builds along with his reputation until we actually see him.

Johnson slips effortlessly into the role of the cool, nimble-footed, enigmatic Gatsby: you’re rooting for him although he’s chasing a dream that appears unobtainable. Johnson is ideal as the likable yet eccentric rogue who puts love before principles.

While all the cast give strong performances, Fiona Wood shines as shallow, fickle, bored Daisy who isn’t as charming as she first appears, and Tyler Collins is equally impressive as Tom, her imposing, disloyal yet jealous, threatening and brutish husband.

Director Sarah Brigham shows an assured touch, allowing the characters to tell the story in such a way you want them to succeed even though heartbreak and tragedy are on the horizon. She also brings out the tension in the relationship between Gatsby, Daisy and Tom.

Jen McGinley’s design is particularly atmospheric, a simple art deco set with two marble staircases leading up to an area where the actor-musicians perform songs from the Jazz Age. Perhaps those on stage might have been given more opportunity to show their musical capabilities—but that doesn’t detract from the slickness and the appeal of the show.

Everything you would expect from The Great Gatsby is here in this production, especially opulence, dancing, champagne and jazz. Other versions might not have been as successful as Fitzgerald imagined. But this one really does put the great in The Great Gatsby.

* This review originally appeared on the British Theatre Guide website