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Review: Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures bring dance adaptation of Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands to Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Beautiful, emotional, and spell-binding, Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands is a moving performance that is guaranteed to make viewers feel a way they didn’t know was possible.

The performance is a breathtaking dance retelling of one of Tim Burton’s greatest gothic tales.

Liam Mower is Edward in Edward Scissorhands. Picture: Johan Persson
Liam Mower is Edward in Edward Scissorhands. Picture: Johan Persson

Renowned choreographer Matthew Bourne and his dance company, New Adventures, have brought Edward Scissorhands to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

The London-born choreographer first introduced his adaptation of the haunting story to the stage in 2005.

The show, which contains no dialogue and uses only music and dance to tell the story, was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards in 2007, winning the Unique Theatrical Experience award.

Watching the show live is truly a magical experience.

The music, created by Burton’s long-time collaborator Danny Elfman and Olivier Award-winning composer Terry Davies, is incredibly moving and, despite its lack of words, the performance tells the story of Edward beautifully.

Edward Scissorhands was devised directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. Picture: Johan Persson
Edward Scissorhands was devised directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. Picture: Johan Persson

A charismatic set design truly allows the audience to emerge themselves into Edward’s world.

During the opening night performance, not even a pin dropping could have been heard.

The dance company had every member of the audience hooked - there was barely a rustle of a sweet packet.

Elaborate and beautiful costumes also added to the ambience and added to the sensory overload that was portrayed to the audience as part of Edward’s confusion.

The production follows a similar plot to the 1990 film, which was directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder.

Katrina Lyndon and Liam Mower in Edward Scissorhands. Picture: Johan Persson
Katrina Lyndon and Liam Mower in Edward Scissorhands. Picture: Johan Persson

The film is centred around Edward, a young man created by an inventor who died before he could finish his project, leaving Edward to live alone with scissors for hands.

When Edward is discovered by a woman from the local town, he is introduced to the community and tries to find his place in this new suburban life.

Joyce Monroe, played by Stephanie Billers in the ballet, was gorgeously flirtatious.

Liam Mower and Ashley Shaw, who play Edward Scissorhands and Kim Boggs, have wonderful chemistry and dance together like they were made for one another.

“The dance company had every member of the audience hooked...”

The performance was just spectacular. It was perfect – apart from a slight technical blip at the end of the show that was excellently handled by the performers and Marlowe staff.

With just enough humour peppered in to take the edge off the sad and hard-hitting scenes, Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands is a must-see.

It will be at the Marlowe Theatre until Saturday, January 27. You can book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 01227 787787.

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