Edward Scissorhands adaptation by Matthew Bourne.

Tim Burton’s famous, cult classic 1990’s gothic story Edward Scissorhands tells the enchanting story of a young unfinished artificial boy who has been made with scissors for hands. Matthew Bourne has created a magical dance production of Edward Scissorhands which first premiered in 2005 and is currently touring with the latest staged production.

Living in a castle high on a hill, Edward has originally been created by an eccentric inventor. After his death, Edward is left alone and unfinished with only scissors for his hands until a kindly townswoman invites him to live with her suburban family and attempts to integrate him into their lives.

Edward Scissorhands was performed by Stephen Murray. Remembering the original film. Murray has captured the walk and head tilt movements created by Johnny Depp who played the original Scissorhands. His snapping of the scissors and scars across his face added a finishing touch to the character. The endearment of the lost boy had me rooting for him to find peace towards the end of the performance.

The world in which Edward finds himself amongst the well-meaning community is not all as welcoming. His innocence and obscure behaviour make it harder for him to fit in naturally. Some of the villagers fear him, due to his hands, others are curious and one in particular attempts to seduce him, which is cringeworthy.

Sir Matthew Bourne, director and choreographer alongside set and costume designer Lez Brotherston succeed in bringing the Tim Burton gothic-based world of Edward Scissorhands to the stage. The cemetery scenes and the topiary created by the “Scissorhands” are visually stunning and effective.

Although Edward Scissorhands is a beautiful adaptation of the original film there appeared to be some of the abstract Matthew Bourne magic missing. I put this down to Tim Burton already creating a character that leaves little room to add any additional quirky touches.