By Kim Jones
A stage drenched in deep, vibrant colour and bordered by darkness, the glint and snap of scissors reflecting the light, realistic rain teeming from the skies and a stunning soundtrack giving us goosebumps. From the very opening moments of Edward Scissorhands there’s that familiar sense of enchanting magic you come to expect from any production by Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.
Back in UK theatres for the first time in nine years, this superb sense-swooning, toe-tapping dance production of the Tim Burton classic is one that will have the whole family spellbound.
The poignant and perfect modern-day gothic fairytale tells the story of Edward, a boy pieced and stitched together by an inventor who lost his own child to a freak accident when struck by lightning.
Sadly before he gets to finish his Frankenstein-like masterpiece and attach Edward’s hands to his arms, he dies, leaving Edward with bunches of scissors instead of digits.
Left alone in the world of 1950s American town Hope Springs, we follow this tender and touching tale as innocent, bewildered Edward, is first taken in by compassionate housewife Peg Boggs (Kerry Biggin), then faces ridicule and fear by the other inhabitants, and is eventually accepted (not least due to his skill at topiary, poodle-primping and hair-cutting at Salon Eduardo).
A stunning score with music by Danny Elfman from the original motion picture and new compositions by Terry Davies sets the mood – from jaunty to menacing, heart-tugging to celebratory. And I can guarantee you’ll be mesmerised by both the exuberant group dances and the romantic elegance of the duets.
Because at the heart of this tale is, of course, a love story. Edward falls for Kim Boggs (Ashley Shaw) the all-American cheerleading girl next door who’s dating troublemaker, jealous Jim Upton (Ben Brown). And she has feelings for him too, beautifully expressed as they duet, and he lifts her onto his shoulders, leaving her unmarked despite the dangerous blades – a clever juxtaposition to the way Jim’s hands treat Kim roughly. But can there ever be a happy ending?
One thing’s for sure, though you’ll be rooting for – and worrying about – Edward (sensitively played by Liam Mower) all the way through, you’ll also have a smile on your face for most of this production as you get lost in the joy and energy of the music and dance routines, the inventive choreography, and the set designs that draw you in to a whimsical world.
Expect plenty of moments of humour, too, that’ll turn your smiles into little chuckles. For example, when Edward tries to emulate Jim’s ‘cool’ strut, and ends up giving him the finger (read: single scissor blade) behind his back and the insatiable Joyce Monroe’s (Nicole Kabera) attempts to seduce Edward which culminate in her ending up on top of a vibrating washing machine….
…Well, you’ll just have to go and see it for yourself.
Edward Scissorhands, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures is on at Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, until 23rd March – booking link here
Find out more about the production and tour dates at new-adventures.net
Photos by Johan Persson