Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 16th March 2024
Reviewed by Sally Lumley
5*****
Edward Scissorhands, bought to the stage by Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, is the story of Edward (Liam Mower), a man created Frankenstein-style by a grieving father to replace a lost son. When his father dies before he has added proper hands, Edward finds himself an outcast in a confusing world. He is taken in by kind local mother Peg Boggs (Sophia Hurdley) and experiences the best, and worst, of humanity as he learns what it means to be human.
Whilst this is not a carbon copy of the 1990 Tim Burton movie, it captures all the essential elements and classic scenes. It is infused throughout with Burton’s trademark gothic style and childlike wonder. The different components that have contributed to this show, including design (Lez Brotherston), lighting (Howard Harrison) and sound (Paul Groothius), have created a magical, fantastical world which is the perfect setting for this fairytale to be played out.
The setting is Hope Springs USA, a 1950’s-style picture perfect American town. The uniformity of the setting and the residents gives a sharp contrast to Edward when he arrives and cements his status as outsider. The townspeople are wonderfully observed, with each family bringing a different dynamic to the stage: the very religious, the promiscuous housewife, the teen jocks. There is always something happening on stage to draw the audience’s eye to the small details that bring this to life.
The dancing, of course, is impeccable throughout. This really is the best of modern dance. Liam Mower is perfection as Edward, brilliantly characterising his quirky movements as he discovers the world around him. As Edward finds love, in the form of Kim Boggs (Ashley Shaw), their dances together are full of emotion and show a new confidence to Edward’s movements. All of this is accompanied by a heartbreakingly beautiful music from Terry Davies, based on themes from the original movie score by Danny Elfman.
The surprise for me was how funny this show was. With dancing topiary, a “cheeky” surprise from an exercising neighbour, and a scene-stealing moment from a flying beanbag, the whole thing is done with a big sense of humour and provides perfect light relief from Edward’s heartbreaking story.
Edward Scissorhands is a timely story that challenges us to question our own compassion and kindness when confronted with someone different. Matthew Bourne and New Adventures have produced a magical fairytale, which questions what it means to be human. It is full of beauty, darkness, laughs and love, which left me feeling a whirlwind of emotions. Highly recommend seeing this while it is at the Mayflower.