If there were ever a London theatre designed to host the stage adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, it would undoubtedly be the London Coliseum. Famously known as London’s largest theatre and home to the English National Opera, the venue sprawls across four floors and is crowned by a stunning mosaic dome ceiling – a fitting setting for a story steeped in opulence and grandeur.
The stage itself was a spectacle before the performance even began. Blue spotlights bathed a dramatic coastal backdrop, while a neon-green frame illuminated the scene – a striking nod to the novel’s iconic green light, symbolising Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy and dreams just out of reach. Once the curtains opened, I quickly learned that this was merely a glimpse of the show’s rivetingly immersive set design.
Much like the book and film, the musical opens with Nick Carraway reminiscing about his time in New York and his move to a cottage on the grounds of a Long Island mansion. High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu shines in the role of Carraway, kicking off the show with the feel-good “Roaring On”, a seamless blend of speech and song that sets the scene for his friendship with Gatsby as he delights at an invite to one of his legendary parties.
In the next scene, the audience meets the brilliant Frances Mayli McCann as Daisy Buchanan and Amber Davies as Jordan Baker. Davies serves a memorable performance and brings an excellent level of pizzazz, sass and wit – both in her summer fling with Carraway, which at times is just as heart-wrenching as the lead romance with its tension and relatability, and in her friendship with Daisy Buchanan, which perfectly encapsulates girlhood. Her interpretation of the catchy “New Money” not only showcases her incredible vocal talent but also her intoxicating dance skills.
Jamie Muscato enters the show as Jay Gatsby in his slick, wood-clad office, where he invites Carraway to organise an afternoon tea so he can reunite with Daisy. There’s no doubt that Muscato delivers an impeccable performance, particularly in his moving solo “For Her”, which is reprised in the second act.
Mayli Mccan and Muscato bring the renowned love story to life beautifully, with all the excitement, lust and heartbreak of the book. Despite knowing how their story ends, it felt as if I were watching it unfold for the first time as a mix of laughter and audible gasps echoed through the Coliseum.
The show vividly portrays the power dynamics and class disparities between Gatsby and Tom Buchanan (Jon Robyns), Daisy’s intensely unlikeable husband. Gatsby’s attempts to assert his wealth and status are most notable through his repeated use of the iconic phrase, “Old sport”. Meanwhile Robyns offers a compelling portrayal of Tom, perfectly capturing the arrogance of 1920s upper-class society through his self-assured body language and emphasis on inherited wealth.
Other standout performances include Joel Montague as George Wilson and Rachel Tucker as his wife Myrtle. Despite Myrtle’s affair and her disregard for George, Tucker makes it impossible not to sympathise with her as she excellently portrays Myrtle’s entrapment in Tom’s manipulations and her tragic fate, unwittingly sealed by Daisy.
John Owen-Jones delivers a stellar performance as Gatsby’s gangster associate, Meyer Wolfsheim. His raspy, crisp voice gives an effortless rendition of “Shady”, a song that chillingly highlights his and Gatsby’s misdeeds. The live orchestra truly elevated the production, bringing the explosive Charleston, jazz and tap dances to life. One particularly brilliant moment saw the musicians step onto the stage as the live band at Gatsby’s party.
This version of Gatsby, directed by Marc Bruni, dazzles with a wardrobe that’s a fitting tribute to the roaring twenties. From beaded headbands and skull caps to intricately embroidered flapper dresses, sleek finger-wave wigs, tuxedos, three-piece suits and Oxford shoes – it’s clear why the Broadway production won a Tony Award for Best Costume Design in 2024.
The same can be said for the eye-popping set design. Mrytle Wilson’s apartment in Washington Heights, with its bar carts and patterned sofas, sets the stage for her and Tom’s scandalous affair, while Nick Carraway’s foliage-framed cottage is backdrop to Gatsby and Daisy’s emotional reunion. Every setting, from George’s gas station and the Buchanan house to Gatsby’s grand estate, came alive through striking projections, props and installations. The classic cars, chaise longues and lighting that gave an illusion of a swimming pool, made for a riot of colour and a feast for the senses.
Despite its tragic and emotionally weighty ending, the musical remains an uplifting celebration of Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, which marks its centenary in 2025.
Book tickets to see The Great Gatsby, showing at the London Coliseum until September 2025. Be sure to check out The Great Gatsby Ultimate VIP Experience, where you can enjoy themed cocktails and delicious light bits.
Make the most of your visit
- The London Coliseum enjoys a prime position on Covent Garden’s St Martin’s Lane (WC2N 4ES), just a short stroll from Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) Underground stations.
- Hungry? Don’t miss Seven Dials Market, where 20 independent traders serve up a diverse range of street food.
- If you’re looking for a three-course meal, Jackson Boxer’s Henri restaurant at the Henrietta Hotel impresses with its all-day menu of French classics, while Tom Sellars’ Story Cellars is another great option with its Parisienne-inspired plates and daily grills.
- For a quick bite, pizza hotspot Fatto a Mano and Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger deliver.
- As for drinks, Oriole is a top choice for cocktails, and Lady of the Grapes has an excellent wine offering.