Everyman Theatre’s first show of 2018 is an adaptation of the American classic novel – The Great Gatsby
“A fable of America, of the Jazz Age, where love and dreams are pursued and betrayed”: rare performance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic story in Wales
Everyman Theatre’s first show of 2018 is an adaptation of the American classic novel – The Great Gatsby
“The Great Gatsby,” the classic fable of America, the Jazz Age, enchantment and illusions, will kick off Cardiff’s Everyman Theatre 2018 season at Chapter Arts Centre.
Adapted for the stage by Simon Levy in the only version to be authorised by the Fitzgerald Estate, this production is rarely staged and believed to be a first in Wales.
On New York’s Long Island, in the heady, indulgent days of the 1920s, our narrator Nick Carraway (Chris Williams) comes to know his infamous neighbour Jay Gatsby (Shane Rose-Goodsir) – a mysterious millionaire with a secret past and a penchant for lavish parties.
Remaining faithful to the spirit and language of the original, this adaptation brings to life several memorable characters – roles already made famous by Leonardo Dicaprio, Carey Mulligan, Mia Farrow and many others. Richard Miltiadis takes on the role of the hulking, super-rich Tom Buchanan, husband to Daisy (Elin Edwards) – a character allegedly based on F Scott Fitzgerald’s own wife, the mercurial Zelda Fitzgerald. Daisy’s best friend the socialite, pro-golfer Jordan Baker will be played by Vicky Walters and Tom’s lover, the sensual Myrtle Wilson, by Rhiannon Rose-Goodsir.
Narrator Nick bears witness to the excess of the American Dream in this tale of impossible love, dreams and tragedy. Brought to life through bold and imaginative staging, the great American novel can be experienced for the first time through this production or re-experienced in an imaginative new way.
The playwright Simon Levy insists that scenes within the play overlap, linger, with characters and set disappearing and appearing fluidly like a fairytale or dreamscape. The Great Gatsby promises to be a stunning retelling of one of the most compelling stories of the twentieth century.
Director Jackie Hurley said it had always been a dream to direct Fitzgerald’s acclaimed work. She said: “The Twenties were a beautiful age and for me I couldn’t believe that we haven’t seen a production of this iconic story in Wales before. It’s going to be a very glamorous tale of its time, after all – this was the Roarin’ Twenties, with fast cars, newly invented telephones, aeroplanes, hot jazz and illegal liquor. See you at the Gatsby party.”
This is Everyman Theatre’s first main stage production of 2018 at Chapter. The Great Gatsby will premiere on Tuesday 27 February. Everyman Theatre’s next production will be a revival of Girlfriends the musical by Howard Goodall. Everyman Theatre is one of Cardiff’s longest running and most ambitious theatre companies.
The Great Gatsby runs from 27th February – 3rd March (inc Sat matinee) at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff
- Box office: 02920 304400 or chapter.org
- Tickets are £12/£10 concessions (available Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- Everyman Theatre are on social:
- Facebook facebook.com/everymantheatre
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