Edward Scissorhands

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London EC1

5/5

BASED on the classic Tim Robbins film about the travails and thwarted love of  Edward Scissorhands, the artificial and unfinished creation with scissors for hands, this excellent version by Matthew Bourne stars current dance heartthrob Dominic North Edward.

Amid the glamorous staging and design, how the latter copes with the massive scissors for hands he sports is what initially intrigues. 

He succeeds triumphantly, with movement and gesture effectively controlled and led by the blades, and his inch-perfect positioning is a sheer marvel.

Typical of Bourne’s highly inventive productions, this Scissorhands has rapid scene changes, accessible characterisations and thrillingly large-scale choreographed sequences which are rooted in real-life observation. 

Adding to the treasure trove of delights is Lez Brotherston’s surreal costume and set design and a score by Danny Elfman and Terry Davies which is thunderously and thrillingly delivered by the New Adventures Orchestra.

But it is Bourne’s own New Adventures dancers who rightly provide the abiding thrill of the evening. 

Among them Tom Clark as cocky teen gang leader Jim gives an excellent brutish swagger to the dance while Ashley Shaw, as Edward’s loved one, provides a delicate counterpoint  to the hyperactive storyline. 

And from within the corps de ballet the brilliant Mari Kamata realises her role with a physicality that can only be described as explosive. 

Hugely enjoyable and definitely one for all the family.

Runs until January 11, box office:
sadlerswells.com