Review of Gatz: Extended Stage Adaptation of The Great Gatsby at Adelaide Festival

The theatrical production Gatz, presented by Elevator Repair Service, was staged at Her Majesty's Theatre in Adelaide from March 13 to 15 as part of Adelaide Festival. This adaptation features the complete text of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby, performed over approximately six hours with breaks. Scott Shepherd portrays narrator Nick Carraway, while Jim Fletcher takes on the role of Jay Gatsby. The performance unfolds in an office setting from the 1980s, where an employee begins reading the novel aloud, gradually drawing colleagues into the story. The production has toured internationally for over two decades, receiving acclaim. While praised for highlighting Fitzgerald's literary craftsmanship and featuring strong performances, the staging faced criticism for sightline issues, occasional inaudible dialogue, and unclear dramatic choices regarding the office framework.