Edward Scissorhands Theatre Royal Plymouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Linda Curtain
How amazing for the people of Plymouth to be able to watch Matthew Bourne’s incredible ‘Edward Scissorhands’ as it embarks on its national tour! Audiences are certainly in for a magical treat from this well loved and respected company.
Based on Tim Burton’s legendary 1990’s film, this play premiered as a stage production in 2005 with a revival in 2014 and – after a break of nine years – its great to see it on the stage again.
The theatre was very busy last evening with everyone eager to watch Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Company’s portrayal of this epic story. As always the helpful Theatre Royal staff soon had us directed into the auditorium where quite atmospheric music and sounds soon had us drawn into the storyline.
I hadn’t seen the film or stage production before but everything became clear in the story early on with such good portrayal from the cast. Basically, Edward Scissorhands was a creation of an inventor who – while creating the robotic Edward – died when a Halloween prank went wrong leaving Edward unfinished and with scissors where his hands should be. With these dangerous appendages, Edward struggled with acceptance in the nearby ‘perfect’ suburban town which was full of stereo-typical families living in their ideal worlds. Gradual acceptance was short lived as people struggled to see beyond Edward’s strange appearance to see him for what he really is – a wonderful example of how people deemed ‘different’ are sometimes treated in our society.
Matthew Bourne’s company were fantastic at portraying the story with such drama and expression – with a brilliant comedy element throughout.
With such a large company it is hard to highlight individuals as everyone played their own role so well. Praise has to go to Katrina Lyndon who played Kim Boggs – a charming young girl who captured Edward’s heart. An extremely talented dancer and actor whose expression and dance ability were amazing. Stephanie Billers who played Joyce Monroe – the neighbour with designs on Edward – had a great comedy role as she tried to seduce the very naïve Edward! Liam Mower as Edward himself was amazing. Such a captivating stage presence and fantastic dance ability while coping with those cumbersome scissors.
The dance scenes were beautiful – especially the pas-de-deux between Edward and Kim in the magical ice scene. They danced with such ease and executed fantastic lifts despite the scissors. The dream scene where Edward was seen without his scissorhands enjoying his freedom was very moving.
There were so many highlights in this production – the special effects designed by Lez Brotherston were mesmerising especially the snow flakes reflected on the transparent screens. Clever lighting – designed by Howard Harrison – added great ambiance to the scene and the scene changes were done so well they seemed to change by magic!
The standing ovation – as Edward stood with his scissorhands held high and snow fell over the stage and auditorium – was so well deserved.
What an amazing piece of dance theatre. A truly magical performance highlighting the incredible choreographic ability of Matthew Bourne, which was performed with perfection by the talented dancers of his New Adventures company.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £39
Edward Scissorhands is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth until 25th November 2023
For more information or to book tickets contact www.theatreroyal.com