GATSBY AT THE GREEN LIGHT is the cabaret stage adaptation of the great American writer F.Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. This show is all about getting in to the experience of it, and then you are strapped in for the night.
The setting. Jay Gatsby is giving a big time party, soiree, with all invited. He gathers the finest dancers, singers, acrobats and cabaret artists to ensure that his partygoers are in for a good time.
The cast and creatives realise this party world well. The performances are strong, multi-faceted performances, featuring acting, singing, dancing and acrobatic skills.
Spencer Craig and Caitlin Tomson Moylan played the mature Jay Gatsby whilst Jacob McPherson and Maria Borysiak played them in full, radiant youth.
Bettie Bombshell played the hostess, Florian Brooks the juggling barman, Thomas J Egan was Glassy, and Oscar Kaufman was the Gentleman.
The creative team were helmed by co directors Craig Ilott and Stuart Couzens. Ilott adds this show to his long list of acclaimed credits in the cabaret/variety genre.
Renier Jansen van Vuuren and Alfred’s set impressed.The set was a low lit speakeasy with the title name, the Green Light, with a large green bar area surrounded by dining tables serving canapés and drinks to the diners. The remainder of the Studio was set up with standard theatre seating. This was the case, as well, with the mezzanine level. The flexibility in staging that the Studio theatre offers is one of its great assets.
Matt Marshall’s lighting was mesmeric, immersive, an outstanding feature of the show.
Choreography by Lucas Newland was also a highlight. Jo Coterill’s choreo was exquisitely wicked in her choreo of the Wicked Game. Costume design was by Mason Browne, Rose Jurd and Alfred.
GATSBY AT THE GREEN LIGHT featured a vibrant soundtrack. Each song was layered with vivid interpretations. My favourites amongst these were- Louis Armstrong’s boppy IT DON’T MEAN A THING, Chris Isaac’s all encompassing WICKED GAME, the Flying Lizards MONEY with its harsh, materialistic tone, with dollar bills being thrown around the audience, and the operatically intense Calum Scott’s DANCING ON MY OWN.
Wrapping up, clearly the story to Fitzgerald’s novel was a great fit to play with to come up with to create a show that’s great summer’s entertainment.
A co-production by the Sydney Opera House and Caper Crow productions, GATSBY AT THE GREEN LIGHT is playing the Studio theatre at the Sydney Opera House until 28th March 2026. Tickets from $79 plus booking fee.
Production photography by Daniel Boud
http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com
