BWW Reviews: EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, November 19 2014

First staged in 2005, renowned choreographer Matthew Bourne has revived his Gothic-style ballet adaptation of Edward Scissorhands. Edward Scissorhands is my all time favourite film so I had high hopes for this performance and my expectations were met - and exceeded. Matthew Bourne has captured the magic and beauty of the 1990 film down to a tee.

Straying from the film slightly, the ballet takes place a little before the story we are used to. Young Edward is tragically killed and we see his father working years later to try and bring him back. Before he could finish rebuilding his son, he passes away himself and leaves Edward unfinished, with scissors instead of hands. Edward leaves his isolated home and, despite his differences, is accepted in a local community until a misunderstanding turns his new friends against him.

The movement in the first act was excellent but well and truly surpassed by act two. The Christmas ball and ice scenes were absolutely enchanting and had the audience mesmerised. The stand out dancers for me were Ashley Shaw as Kim Boggs and Suranne Curtin as Joyce Monroe.

The music used is Danny Elfman's original film score and is absolutely perfect for this production. The set and costume design comes from Lez Brotherston and both were exceptional. The contrast between the Gothic sets of Edward's home and the life and colour of the town scenes were captured beautifully. While Matthew Bourne enthusiasts will surely delight in this modern twist on a much loved story, I feel that this is very accessible to audiences who aren't overly familiar with ballet.

This performance of Edward Scissorhands was captivating from start to finish. I clearly wasn't alone in my thinking as the curtain went down to a full house standing ovation which was thoroughly deserved.

Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands is on tour around the UK.

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