THE GREAT GATSBY Musical Makes A Dazzling London Debut

Have you ever wondered why some stories never lose their lustre, no matter how many times they’re retold? Standing in the bustling foyer of the London Coliseum last week, I found myself asking exactly that. Amidst the animated chatter of producers, creatives, and eager ticket-buyers, the announcement of the complete West End casting for THE GREAT GATSBY had everyone under its spell—proving that F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 classic still captivates even the most discerning theatregoers. And with this new musical version already delighting crowds on Broadway, now is the moment for Londoners—and curious Aussie theatre fans planning an overseas pilgrimage—to witness the lavish production that aims to reinvent a timeless tale of aspiration, obsession, and heartbreak.

A Novel Idea Brought To Life

Many musicals draw inspiration from beloved novels, but few have the pedigree and enduring mystique of THE GREAT GATSBY. Fitzgerald’s original story about a self-made millionaire chasing the American Dream has never been out of print since it was published nearly a century ago. In fact, recent data from major publishing houses shows that its sales surge every time a new adaptation emerges, be it on screen or stage. That phenomenon underscores the unending fascination with Jay Gatsby’s quest—and the moral ambiguities lurking beneath the glitz of the Roaring Twenties.

This particular musical adaptation comes with top-tier credentials. Directed by Marc Bruni, whose track record includes Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, it features a book by Kait Kerrigan (loved for The Mad Ones) and an original score by Tony Award nominees Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, whose previous collaboration on Paradise Square earned wide acclaim. Add to that the choreography of Dominique Kelley, known for his contemporary twists on classic moves, and you’ve got a creative team that’s well positioned to capture the golden glow of 1920s jazz while lending the show a vital, modern pulse.

A Glittering West End Line-Up

Now, on to the true heart of any theatrical event: the cast. The leading man entrusted with bringing Jay Gatsby to life is Jamie Muscato, who’s garnered a loyal following across the West End for his soaring tenor and dramatic finesse. The role of Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby’s elusive love and the embodiment of his grand ambition, is in the capable hands of Frances Mayli McCann, an actress whose performances always suggest quiet depth under a glamorous surface.

Just announced at a star-studded launch, the rest of the cast reads like a who’s-who of stage luminaries. Corbin Bleu, famously known from the High School Musical franchise but also a seasoned Broadway star, will step into the role of Nick Carraway—the naive yet reflective narrator. The part of Jordan Baker, Daisy’s sharp-witted friend, goes to Amber Davies, recognised for her West End turns and a swift rise in theatre circles. Meanwhile, Joel Montague (of Hamiltonfame) tackles George Wilson, whose tragic arc remains a key thread in Fitzgerald’s layered narrative.

Fans of powerhouse vocals will be thrilled to see Rachel Tucker as Myrtle Wilson—a part that demands both vivacity and vulnerability—and John Owen-Jones as Meyer Wolfsheim, one of the novel’s more shadowy figures. Jon Robynswill portray Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s husband and a perpetual thorn in Gatsby’s side. This line-up alone could pack a theatre on star power, but there’s more: a formidable ensemble that includes some of the West End’s most talented triple threats, such as George Crawford (Waitress), Kiara Dario (Miss Saigon), Frances Dee (Matilda), Alyn Hawke (Come From Away), and a slew of others who’ve honed their skills in everything from Starlight Express to Hadestown. Those performing as swings—Liv Alexander, Taylor Alman, Lauren Hampton, Jared Irving, Samuel John-Humphreys, and Millie Mayhew—round out a company ready to dazzle and delight.

Why It’s a Must See

The West End has no shortage of musicals vying for attention, so why pencil in another adaptation of a story you might already know? For starters, theatre aficionados relish seeing how each creative team reimagines a familiar tale. The melding of Fitzgerald’s themes with a modern musical score—courtesy of Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen—promises an experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Rumour has it that the show’s number In The City Of Dreams soars to a crescendo reminiscent of the best Golden Age musicals, all while weaving in nods to 1920s jazz.

Beyond the music, the production design alone is worth the price of admission. Tony Award-winning costume designer Linda Cho is behind the sumptuous dresses, glittering headbands, and sharply tailored suits that evoke the era. Scenic and projection designer Paul Tate de Poo III (an Outer Critics Circle Award winner) is said to be experimenting with illusions of shifting cityscapes that capture the fevered brightness of Gatsby’s parties and the sombre gloom of the Valley of Ashes. Lighting designer Cory Pattak and sound designer Brian Ronan have orchestrated an immersive atmosphere—so as you settle into your seat, expect to feel those klieg lights and Charleston rhythms drawing you into Gatsby’s glittering world.

The Extra Spark

What sets THE GREAT GATSBY apart from many musicals is the intimate collaboration between the writing and design teams. Insiders mention that Kait Kerrigan and Marc Bruni have been known to stage mini-workshops with the cast and design crew present—allowing the set pieces, costumes, and dance sequences to evolve in tandem with the dialogue and score. This approach ensures no single element overshadows the others, forging a cohesive vision.

There’s also a fascinating musical detail: the orchestrations are a joint effort between Jason Howland and Kim Scharnberg, with Grammy Award winner Billy Jay Stein serving as music producer for Strike Audio. This multi-pronged endeavour means the show’s soundscape marries big, brassy blasts (evocative of a 1920s speakeasy band) with the lush undercurrents found in contemporary musical theatre. Observers at early previews on Broadway noted how this interplay between eras crafts a score that feels both timeless and brand new.

A Transatlantic Success Story

In a move that doesn’t happen every day, THE GREAT GATSBY is running on both Broadway and the West End, giving rise to a transatlantic fan base. Historically, musicals transferring from New York to London face adaptation hurdles—accents, comedic timing, even cultural references can shift. But the universal appeal of Fitzgerald’s novel and the creative team’s nimble approach appear to have bridged any gaps seamlessly. Industry experts point out that the Broadway version has already garnered a devoted following, with audiences praising the theatrical flourishes that elevate the novel’s introspection to staged spectacle. If that success is any barometer, London is in for a treat.

A Hidden Gem

Look beyond the spectacle, and you’ll find an underlying theme that might resonate even more strongly today: the duality of identity. Corbin Bleu, tackling Nick Carraway, has hinted that Nick’s journey is as central as Gatsby’s, exploring what it means to remain an observer rather than a participant in life’s grand events. Intriguingly, the staging will feature subtle costuming tricks—conceived by Linda Cho—that change Nick’s wardrobe in nearly imperceptible ways, revealing his growing entanglement in the drama.

Where Gatsby is brash and showy, Nick, Jordan, and the Wilsons exist in a realm of moral grey. Not everything in the bright lights of the West End is cheerful and celebratory—there’s a deeper social commentary at work. The creative team aims to emphasise the tension between the fleeting joys of Gatsby’s parties and the harsher realities lurking in the background. Even the choreography by Dominique Kelley occasionally intertwines jazz hands with rigid, mechanical movements, symbolising the unstoppable march of time and the consequences of illusions.

In an era where new musicals jostle for attention, THE GREAT GATSBY arrives with a pedigree that few can match: a timeless literary foundation, a proven Broadway track record, and a luminous cast that stands ready to envelop London audiences in jazz-era grandeur. More than just a rehash of familiar territory, it offers a rich, multi-layered spectacle that dares to delve into the characters’ dreams and deceptions while treating us to memorable songs, lavish costumes, and choreography that channels the fizz of the Jazz Age.

If you’ve ever yearned to stand at the water’s edge like Gatsby, reaching out for that green light across the bay, then now’s your moment. Theatre invites us to dream, but Fitzgerald’s story cautions us to see those dreams for what they truly are. It’s that paradox—splendour clashing with longing—that has always made Gatsby’s world so compelling. And under the spotlights at the London Coliseum, it’s poised to glow brighter than ever before.