Edward Scissorhands

Genre: Dance / Drama
Opened 30 Nov 2005
Written: Devised by Matthew Bourne , new music and arrangements by Tery Davies, based on themes from the original film score composed by Danny Elfman. Original story and co-adaptation by Caroline Thompson
Directed: Matthew Bourne
Synopsis: 'Edward Scissorhands' follows the story of a young man created by an inventor who dies before finishing his work — leaving the man with scissors instead of hands. When a determined Avon lady discovers him in his castle, she attempts to bring him into her home. Before long, the community becomes involved and Edward's hands become more trouble than they are cut out for.

What the critics had to say.....
SARAH FRATER for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Bourne's Scissorhands is a lark, with few of the film's shadows and little of its tension...designer Lez Brotherston deserves a knighthood for the costumes. " ZOE ANDERSON for THE INDEPENDENT says, "...feels like Bourne-by-numbers, familiar characters or devices that have suffered a fatal loss of energy." JUDITH MACRELL for THE GUARDIAN says, " Whatever minor issues you may have with his interpretation, there is no denying that Bourne's Edward is a cracking piece of theatre. Superbly cast, steeped in stage tradition, it not only entertains but will surely send a new generation back to Burton's original movie." SARAH CROMPTON for DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "...picturesque, but not heart-felt, an entertaining romp that never stakes its place as a true reinvention of the original." DEBRA CAINE for THE TIMES says, " Using his acute directorial skills, a 1.3 million ukp budget and the incredible design flair of Lez Brotherston, Bourne has fashioned a tender, dark and funny dance play about the ultimate outcast. " KATIE PHILIPS for THE STAGE says, "The production is spine-tingling from the onset. The larger than life characters - desperate housewives, gothic kids, trailer trash, jocks and cheerleaders - are all there, cavorting on Lez Brotherston's gorgeous sugar candy coloured set, as is the excitement, humour and poignancy of the tale. "

External links to full reviews from popular press
The Independent
The Guardian
The Times
The Stage
Daily Telegraph