It’s always a treat to visit the Roman Theatre in St Albans – the atmosphere is buzzing and the outdoor setting brings a wonderful sense of spontaneity and excitement. 

It’s 1929 and we’re in the Green Light Club – we meet our charismatic host, Texas (Rochelle Jack) who shines throughout with magnificent, commanding vocals and presence. She welcomes us, cheekily pointing out familiar faces in the audience and setting the tone with a lively musical number. She’s accompanied by Andrew McCormack on piano, whose playing is a consistent highlight throughout the evening. Texas quickly introduces us to our narrator, Nick Carraway (Jonathan Tynan-Moss), who guides us through the story of his elusive and mysterious neighbour, Jay Gatsby – known for throwing lavish parties that he’s rarely actually seen at. 

We’re also introduced to Nick’s cousin Daisy (Jessica Vickers) and her husband Tom (David Joseph Healy), whose marriage is riddled with tension, infidelity and emotional distance. Jessica Vickers brings Daisy’s insecurity to life with nuance, also leaning into some great moments of dry wit and sharp timing. David Joseph Healy portrays Tom with a fittingly entitled and secretive air, capturing his dark edge with skill. Then there’s Jordan, the couple’s friend, played excellently by Monica Sharp, who exudes socialite charm and mystery, drawing Nick in with her allure. As Nick, Jonathan Tynan-Moss gives a captivating performance, constantly engaged with the unfolding action and delivering a particularly moving and emotionally charged moment at the show’s climax. Finally, of course, there’s Gatsby himself, played by Nathan French, who perfectly embodies the character’s romantic idealism and tragic longing for Daisy, who he has loved from afar for years. 

As well as these key characters, the cast impressively takes on multiple roles, transitioning between characters, costumes and set shifts with ease. Despite the demands of multi-roling and quick changes, the pacing remains smooth and never feels rushed which is a credit to the cast’s professionalism and the production’s ace direction.

The musical numbers are a real highlight, laced very well into the storytelling. A standout moment for me was when Jessica Vickers, now playing the role of a guest at one of Gatsby’s parties, delivers a powerhouse vocal performance after one too many drinks, spilling champagne and dancing on tables as she rolls her eyes at her controlling husband, who she sings is trying to take her home. 

The set and costumes are beautifully done and the cast really embrace the unpredictability of outdoor theatre by responding to sudden downpours and geese honking overhead (yes, that happens!) with humour and ease, which adds to the magic of the performance.

THE GREAT GATSBY is sensational, absorbing and thoroughly entertaining – expertly directed and performed from start to finish. You’ve simply got to see it for yourself old sport! On til 24^th Aug. Tickets available here.  

Photos by Elliott Franks.