Edward Scissorhands, Theatre Royal, Plymouth ,****
Leaving the theatre after this magical ballet the spirit of Christmas suddenly seemed all around. The lights were up, the merriment was growing and the Theatre Royal alongside New Adventures were dishing out sacks full of theatrical joy.
Not your traditional festive package yet this production of Edward Scissorhands has all the sparkle, wonder and enchantment you could hope for.
Matthew Bourne's dance version of the twisted tale, of a loner who doesn't fit in, was first brought to the stage in 2005 and has wowed audiences around the globe. After nine years away from UK shores it is finally back in our theatres much to audiences' delight.
It tells the touching story of a boy created by a heartbroken inventor who dies before he is complete leaving him with just scissors for hands. All alone he is finally taken in by the kindly Boggs family but surburbia proves a world away from Edward's solitary castle on a hill existence.
While coming up with the idea of Edwards Scissorhands creators Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson originally imagined it as a musical and yet it turned into a feature film which became iconic after its release in 1990. You may have thought then a musical would be apt for its stage reincarnation but in another some what quirky step, it was in fact only permitted in this alluring ballet production. The medium works perfectly in conveying Edward's unique appeal and Bourne has captured the eccentricity and simple delights at its core.
Six stereotypical American families give us dance routines seemingly made up of lots of separate cogs that fit together almost machine-like. It is hypnotic and raucous but contrasts well with the intimate and emotional moments where Edward and Kim are finally left alone and the topiary garden and ice dance are moments to remember.
Set designs and costumes by Les Brotherston are also among the many appealing features.
Bringing back a flood of teenage memories for me this thoroughly entrancing production is well worth watching.
Edward Scissorhands is on at Plymouth's Theatre Royal until Saturday, November 23.
