Review: Little Theatre’s Gatsby Event

1920’s New York; a heady mix of decadence, glamour and over indulgence all played out in a haze of slow, smooth jazz music.

This was the expected landscape that awaited me as I went to the Little Theatre to watch Baz Luhrman’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Great Gatsby. In celebration of its opening weekend, the Little Theatre was putting on a Gatsby/1920s night, and I went along for the experience.

The Little Theatre is without doubt a favoured haunt of Bathonians, as its old fashioned décor and friendly staff makes it a staple for those looking for a cinema experience with character. Keeping to the theme, I dressed up to the nines in pearls and fur, and made my way to the event.

Upon walking in, we were greeted by gangsters and their molls, who took our tickets, and offered us the chance to be photographed by a professional, in front of The Gatsby poster for a small charitable donation.

The cinema itself was packed and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. As a result of its popularity, the event was incredibly well supported which was great to see. This popularity is no doubt as a result of its dedication to indie and vintage cinema, and the eclectic mix of snacks and drinks make it all the better.

Crammed to the rafters, we took our seats (so comfy you could sleep in them!) and watched as the guests poured in, all sparkling and sashaying appropriately.

During this time, the staff were making sure to analyse everyone’s outfits as prizes were to be given to the best dressed before the movie started. Once everyone was settled, with popcorn, tea and wine, an announcement was made that welcomed a dance of the Charleston on the stage courtesy of a duo called “Must Dash”. This was a treat as not only were the girls incredibly talented and the music lively but it really cemented the atmosphere and heightened our anticipation for the movie.

After the performance, there was a loud roar of applause, which was then followed by the announcement of the three best dressed who got prizes of a copy of The Great Gatsby book and a selection of sweets. This, again, was huge amounts of fun, and when my date won an award, I admit I cheered until my throat ached!

After all of this, the lights went down, the red velvet curtain pulled back and the opening credits rolled. Despite this being my second viewing of the film, the pre-entertainment and the warm and exciting atmosphere made it so much easier to soak in the atmosphere of 1920s New York. The vintage feel of the theatre added to this atmosphere as we felt the art-deco style of the place merged perfectly with the film.

After the film had ended,  complimentary tickets were given out to those who had dressed up, but hadn’t won prizes, and these tickets invited us to return to The Little theatre for free at another point in time. This gesture was a really lovely way to end the evening.

Altogether, reflecting on the evening, it was a beautiful and quaint event done with style and sensitivity and as a result it illustrated why The Little Theatre is such a treat to go and why it sets it apart from its larger competitor, The ODEON.

Our thanks to Rosie Wright and Jennifer Lee for this review.