Regé-Jean Page to Star as Gatsby in London Stage Show

Regé-Jean Page, renowned for his role in "Bridgerton," is poised to make his West End debut starring as Jay Gatsby in a new stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." The production, slated for London's West End, is targeting a fall performance start.

Page described the adaptation by Joel Horwood and Maria Aberg as "electric, glamorous, deeply romantic, utterly heartbreaking," and highly relevant to the current decade. Director Michael Longhurst, who previously collaborated with Page, emphasized the play's profound social and political commentary.

Longhurst noted that the adaptation probes themes of wealth acquisition, capitalism, and social mobility. He specifically pointed out that the narrative of Gatsby's rise from humble beginnings to his current status, especially when portrayed by Page, adds significant depth and charge to the story.

The production also intends to highlight the character of Tom Buchanan as a white supremacist, a facet Longhurst feels is sometimes understated in other adaptations. The play aims to offer a thoroughly intellectual and thrilling examination of the novel's core themes, moving beyond mere spectacle.

Producer Simon Friend, known for literary adaptations, praised the "bold theatricality" of this "Gatsby for the theatre, very now." He believes Page's "effortless sophistication and intellectual rigor" will make for a memorable portrayal of Jay Gatsby.

Page's history in classical and modern theater, including a past role in "The Merchant of Venice," underscores his readiness for this stage comeback. The search is currently underway to secure a suitable theater for the production.