Review: Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands at Newcastle Theatre Royal
We head to Newcastle Theatre Royal to see how Matthew Bourne's New Adventures has transformed the story of Edward Scissorhands through dance
Having proved popular with audiences worldwide since its premiere in 2005, Edward Scissorhands’s return to UK theatres (for the first time in nine years) is welcome. With a haunting score based on the original motion picture as well as new music and arrangements, this enchanting story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world has never been more timely, according to Matthew Bourne. ‘In an era when uniqueness and identity is both celebrated and reviled, its story of how we treat anyone who appears to be different in our communities is as poignant and relevant as when my dear friend Caroline Thompson wrote the screenplay for Tim Burton’s legendary movie fable some 33 years ago,’ he says.
Although my friend had seen the original motion picture and I had not, this production is enjoyable for audiences both familiar with the film and new to the story. The theme stays true to both Bourne and Burton alike, with gothic and fairytale elements, but it’s also cleverly comedic. Certainly a traditional soft-shoe ballet, contemporary elements are scattered throughout the performance, making for great viewing even if you don’t think ballet is for you.
An ensemble cast, with strong and vibrant costumes, fill the stage but each performer has a clear, distinct and engaging character, and by simply focusing on a different individual you could watch a different story every night. We later learn that this cast also rotate and play multiple parts during a run, so their view of the story changes too!
The star of the show is of course Edward himself and it’s fascinating to see his character development. You really see him move from awkward shuffling and stiff movements in the beginning (when he is naive and innocent to the world) to being a far more confident and assured man with looser and larger movement. While the larger-than-life characters bring joy to the stage, Edward pulls at the audience’s heartstrings as they discover who the real monster is, and how it feels to be an outcast.
Although I haven’t seen the film, I am in admiration of the magic of Burton’s masterpieces – and it’s clear why Bourne is the best man to convert this for the stage. His set is magical, particularly when the dancers perform as the shrubbery sculptures that Edward has created. The final act of this production is however more ambiguous than Burton’s original, with a tender moment beautifully performed by the talented dancer playing Kim Boggs – but we won’t give too much away, because you must see it for yourself!
A welcome addition to Newcastle Theatre Royal’s recent shows are their free-post show talks and we, along with many other audience members, head closer to the stage armed with questions for New Adventures’s Take Part Creative Director Kerry Biggin (who plays Peg Boggs) and dancer Glenn Graham (who plays Bill Boggs), and we learn plenty about the makings of the production. It turns out Edward has multiple sets of ‘scissors’ which he swaps and changes throughout the show depending on his proximity to his fellow dancers. They are really heavy and a lot of time is spent holding them up so the performer playing Edward is usually found resting their arms backstage! Once the dancer playing Edward is laced into their costume, they can’t get out – nor can they tie their own shoes or drink water by themselves whilst wearing the scissors. The cast look forward to Newcastle audiences because they are ‘warm’ but the Theatre Royal’s stage rake proves to be a challenge for dancers (more about that here). Kerry’s advice for those starting in performing is to ‘bring yourself into the room’ while Glenn says ‘don’t be afraid to ask questions’.
Edward Scissorhands plays Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday 6th April 2024. Tickets can be purchased at theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.
