Arts > Theatre

Edward Scissorhands @ Theatre Royal

04/02/15

I'm a fan of all these people: Tim Burton. Danny Elfman. Johnny Depp. Matthew Bourne. So I was totally up for watching Matthew's Bourne's dance (don't say ballet!) version of the much loved movie Edward Scissorhands. 

Matthew Bourne is well known for remaking original stories in his own mould. From his aggressive male Swan Lake to his version of Cinderella set during the Blitz, he is the most exciting and innovative choreographer working today. He's taken the same approach with Edward Scissorhands; this production is now over ten years old but feels as fresh as if it was brand new. The main plot of the show follows the movie storyline, but there are some changes, which only serve to maintain our interest. The costumes are absolutely stunning, from the jaunty beach and leisure wear to the glamorous evening dresses seen at the Christmas ball. The set design is awe inspiring...huge giraffes made of grass, a Christmas tree that lights up and snow falling from the theatre ceiling were just some of the more spectacular moments of the night. The dancing is, as you'd expect, incredibly professional, and the music, the original film soundtrack, made the evening feel even more dramatic. Dominic North, who played Edward Scissorhands, did a sterling job in making the audience totally fall for him, and stayed in character every single second. There were so many characters and dancers in this show, and every one had a definite personality and story; the result being that often I was overwhelmed and couldn't really take in everything that was happening onstage. It was full of caricatures of 'types' of people who may have lived in small town America in the 50's; the ultra religious, the bobby socks girls, rock 'n' roll boys and the well behaved housewives. It was almost like a Norman Rockwell painting brought to life. One of the most incredible moments that took my breath away was when some of the dancers, dressed entirely in what looked like astro turf catsuits performed a dance as topiary around Edward and Kim. That's not the sort of thing you see every day.

I know I wasn't the only one who shed a tear at the end, with the moving music accompanying the falling snow. The dancers received a standing ovation and we all were surprised an delighted to enjoy an audience Q&A with Matthew Bourne himself and Dominic North after the performance. 

I highly recommend this show, not only for those who love dance, or even Edward Scissorhands, but for everyone who would enjoy a lively and timeless story about how it feels to be different. A magic moment in a gloomy February.