There is something magical and deeply evocative about a story told through the power of music and dance and the Edward Scissorhands musical didn’t disappoint – this visual masterpiece conveyed the tale of a ‘misfit’ struggling to fit into a well-meaning community. Could they look beyond his curious appearance to see the innocence and gentleness within?
Based on Tim Burton’s Gothic US fantasy film from 1990, the story tells of Edward, a boy created by an eccentric inventor who lives in a castle high on a hill. He is taken under the wing of a kindly townswoman and her family when he finds himself alone after his creator dies and he is left unfinished with only scissors for hands.
An upbeat performance which showcases a range of characters from cheerleader to local siren, with a 1950s flavour and Utopian feel. One of the many standout moments for me was the bittersweet dance with Edward and Kim was beautifully portrayed through a sequence of carefully choreographed lifts and moves.
The performance is framed by incredible set changes and out-of-this-world lighting, creating an iridescent magicality, while the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company accentuate this bittersweet tale.
A must-see performance packed with comedic, slapstick and bittersweet moments that had the audience on its feet for a truly deserved standing ovation. Sheer brilliance!
Matthew Bourne’s ballet/dance interpretation first premiered in 2005 at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Edward Scissorhands returned to UK theatres for the first time in 9 years in November 2023 and is on now at Bristol Hippodrome til Saturday 9 March 2024.
Performance times:
Thursday and Saturday at 14:30
Tuesday to Saturday at 19:30
All images: EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, Original Story – Tim Burton, Director and Choreographer – Mathew Bourne, Designer – Lez Brotherston, Lighting – Howard Harrison, New Adventures, Theatre Royal, Plymouth,2023, UK, Credit: Johan Persson – www.perssonphotography.com