Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Edward Scissorhands at The Mayflower Southampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Amy Peacey
I loved the film as a teenager so I was really excited to be able to attend the Edward Scissorhands production at the Mayflower yesterday evening on the opening night.
The show is Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of the Tim Burton classic movie which starred Johnny Depp.
The show features Edward a boy created and brought to life by an inventor. When the inventor dies, Edward is left alone and unfinished, he has scissors for hands and an odd appearance. Peg Boggs takes pity on Edward and invites him to live with her family. Edward falls for Peg’s daughter Kim.
The show is a dance theatre show which means that there are no words. The story is expressed by music, dance, and movement. I have never really experienced a theatre show such as this as I have always been to traditional musicals which tend to have some speaking. This has opened a whole new world for me.
The show was absolutely brilliant and engaging from start to finish. You didn’t miss the words as the dance, gestures and movement expressed every emotion of the characters during the show. The production is really funny which cannot be easy with no words: but it worked. The show is heart-warming but also heart-breaking in equal measure, as an audience member you experience the full range of emotions.
Liam Mower was spectacular as Edward. His quirky appearance and clumsiness really engaged the audience. You really wanted Edward to be accepted. The relationship between Liam Mower and Jade Copas who plays Kim was brilliant. Both, along with the rest of the cast were amazing dancers.
The highlight for me was the magical ice sculpture scene. The dancing was beautiful and the lifts simply breath-taking, especially with scissors for hands! I also enjoyed the dancing topiaries – so fun to watch!
The set and the costumes are fabulous and retain the quirkiness of the original film. The attention to detail is impeccable. The lightening and the special effects were wonderful and so engaging.
The Mayflower Theatre is beautiful and has many original features. We were sat in the dress circle which provided us with an excellent view of the stage. The auditorium staff were very accommodating and helpful. The seats are quite comfortable and there is adequate leg room for a show of this length, 2 hours plus interval.
If you love the movie, you are going to be enchanted by this dance version. Please don’t be put off by the lack of words as the show is truly magical. I would recommend this to all my friends and family and would certainly watch it again.
Edward Scissorhands is running at the Mayflower until the 16th March with matinee shows on 14th and 16th March. The show is recommended for over 5’s however some of the scenes may not be appropriate for young children.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: Tickets range from £26.50 to £54.50 depending on the date and the seating location.
Buy tickets here: https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/edward-scissorhands-2024/
Full address of the theatre is The Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1GE.