Considered a classic American novel, The Great Gatsby was published in 1925. Acclaimed by literary critics, commercially, it was a failure for author, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Written about the times in which he lived, the work captures both the glitzy glam and the dark underbelly of the Roaring Twenties. Those unfamiliar with the story will know the fashion.
Central to the story are protagonists, Jay Gatsby and Mrs Daisy Buchanan. Their love story from the past has remained unfinished. Impatient, Daisy who has failed to wait for him, has now wed wealthy Tom Buchanan. Now monied himself, Gatsby is eager to reacquaint with and impress Mrs Buchanan. Her husband, Tom meanwhile, has his own married mistress, Myrtle.
This production is the first in which Queensland Theatre Company and Shake and Stir have worked together. The novel is adapted for stage by Dan Evans and Nellie Lee. Dramaturgy is by Saffron Brenner. Evans, along with Nick Skubij, also directs the play.
Gatsby and Daisy are played by Shiv Palekar and Jess Vickers. Both are NIDA graduates and very experienced actors. I was surprised to learn that they (and most of the leads) with their film star looks, are strongly debuting in main stage roles.
Ryan Hodson as writer and bonds trader, Nick Carraway gave a standout performance. As both narrator and character, he had the lion’s share of the dialogue. Carraway, haunted by images of the recent war, is rebuilding a life when he becomes caught up in strange things. He is cousin to Daisy and neighbour of Gatsby.
Jeremiah Wray as Tom Buchanan is formidable. The character is enhanced by Wray’s height and athletic physique. He really did look like a champion polo player.
Donné Ngabo was a sleek and persuasive ‘Wolfy’. He’s also a seemingly effortless, natural dancer. Libby Munro with great body and incredible legs, was a statuesque and striking Jordan Baker. Her sleek white outfits contrasted well with the stereotypical fashion associated with the era.
Set and Costume Designer, Christina Smith convincingly recreated the 1920s with her varied outfits and opulent, realistic sets. That sleek car model was fabulous! There were endless parties, pairings and dancing in what seemed like a den of delight. A wonderful time to be young and alive.
F. Scott Fitzgerald was right there, amongst it all. Despite his literary success, his life was miserable. Nervy and besieged by self doubt, he became an alcoholic and was dead at 44. His wife who had Schizophrenia was committed to an asylum.
He was friends with Ernest Hemmingway who ended his own life at 62. Behind all the sparkle of success and global accolades, both Fitzgerald and Hemingway were haunted by their service in WW1. The play acknowledges this with reappearances of weary, battle ready soldiers.
There are deaths including Gatsby. Everyone and everything vanishes. Gatsby’s funeral is a lonely one. As Nick Carraway notes, ‘Daisy didn’t send flowers, a card or even a thought.’
The Buchanan’s move hurriedly away. Carraway encounters Tom in New York. Clad in a coat suggestive of a bathrobe, Tom has just purchased pearls, ostensibly for Daisy. It is clear that the deaths and destroyed lives left in their wake, are behind them.
This is an outstanding production and very successful collaborative creation. A must see!
The Great Gatsby
Playhouse – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Brisbane
Performance: Saturday 14 February 2026
Season continues to 8 March 2026
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
For more information, visit: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au or www.shakeandstir.com.au for details.
Images: The Great Gatsby – photos by Joel Deveruex
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan