| Edward Scissorhands | Milton Keynes Theatre
9-13 May 2006 Edward Scissorhands Dance Workshop Thursday 11 May at Milton Keynes Theatre 3.30-5.30pm Matthew Bourne's company of dancers will take you through the repertoire. The class is aimed for those aged 14+ who already have dance experience. |
Edward Scissorhands is the touching and witty gothic fairytale of a boy created by an eccentric inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward must find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well-meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within. Few times have I left a theatre in such an emotional turmoil, and with as much excitement and enthusiasm. Edward Scissorhands is truly magical, a production only Matthew Bourne could have conceived and produced with as much grace and beauty as this production has. Most of us, at some point in our lives, have felt the hurt of rejection. Edward Scissorhands is a modern ballet about the pain and rejection experienced from being different.
 | | Edward Scissorhands: Kerry Biggin and Sam Archer |
Staying true to the classic 1990's Tim Burton film, the production is simply spectacular. This isn't a traditional ballet in any sense of the word. The cast through the medium of dance, expertly convey to the audience their quirky personalities, from the Bible clenching Reverend and his family to George Monroe and his frustrated wife, we are treated to some wonderful comedy moments from 1950's suburban America. As the production moves from the dark gothic shadows of the inventor's tower to the pastel hues of the suburban utopia, the audience is drawn into the naive and often sad world of Edward Scissorhands. With his long sad face, Sam Archer is perfectly cast in the lead role and gives a mesmerising performance as misfit Edward. In a remarkable portrayal, he somehow manages to draw the audience into his world, so that we too feel his pain. Edward's intricate costume cleverly emphasises his frustration and entrapment, the 'scissor hands' are impressive, wielded deftly, and (excuse the pun) in the more than capable hands of Mr Archer show off their topiary and hairdressing skills with aplomb, but also sadly their futility when Edward falls in love with the beautiful Kim.
 | | Edward Scissorhands: Michela Meazza and Sam Archer |
The musical score is adapted magnificently by Terry Davies from the original motion picture by Danny Elfman, and adds to the theatrical emotion on stage. If I have a criticism, and albeit a very small one, there did at times appear to be so many people and so much happening on stage, that I didn't know quite where to focus my attention. Should I tear my eyes away from the bickering Evercreech's to watch the flirtatious antics of Joyce Monroe or am I missing the Grubb Family in yet another hilarious pass the baby moment! The entire cast thoroughly deserved the standing ovation they received, and fans of Burton's film have no need to worry about being let down by this production as it certainly matches, if not surpasses, the magical fairytale that is Edward Scissorhands. | 
