Showing @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh until Sat 23 March

The last line of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby brilliantly captures the essence of the whole story: “so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past”. The past defines who we are but the passage of time is both inevitable and irreversible. Coming to terms with that can be harder than it seems. Northern Ballet’s The Great Gatsby makes its world premier at the Festival Theatre before embarking on a nationwide tour. Fitzgerald’s seminal novel on the American Dream has been translated into dance by David Nixon. In the post-war high of the 20s, Jay Gatsby endeavours to win true love Daisy back, but the changes that have happened over time are too great to ignore.

Both jazz and classical music by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett have been compiled and orchestrated by John Longstaff and Gavin Sutherland to form a triumphant and soaring score. Colourful and stylish design present the glamour and sophistication of the character’s cosmopolitan lifestyles. Gatsby reminiscing is realised by the ensemble, dressed in military uniform representing his younger self and his early relationship with Daisy. The iconic green light beats in the distance symbolising the strive to achieve the American Dream and Gatsby’s aspirations. The ensemble deliver an energetic, fluid performance; Nixon’s choreography shows off the class and style of the roaring 20s, in particular, the intimate movements between Gatsby and Daisy are pitched perfectly. Fitzgerald depicts the failings of the American Dream through their dismantled relationship. Gatsby’s unrelenting passion has made him a key figure of 20th Century literature. Nixon’s creation could do the same for dance.

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