EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
* * * *
February 17, 2015
Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, February 21, 2015, then tour continues
FIRST it was a quirky, typically Tim Burton movie, complete with misfit characters, darkly comic metaphors and Johnny Depp. Then, in 2005, choreographer Matthew Bourne got his claws into Edward Scissorhands and transformed him into a modern ballet, instantly creating something of a classic in the process.
Now the production is back for its first major revival thanks to the dance company New Adventures, with a huge, lavish show touring the UK. Bourne’s choreography remains as fresh and innovative as ever, while Lez Brotherston’s stunning designs capture all the imaginative weirdness of the original film while adding extra layers for the live performance.
Much of the success of the ballet version, Bourne’s brilliance notwithstanding, is down to the genius of Oscar-nominated composer Danny Elfman, the man behind such iconic themes as The Simpsons and Men in Black. His music from the Scissorhands movie has been developed and arranged by Terry Davies into a sumptuous, witty and eclectic score, full of depth and variety and offering the performers a fabulous canvas on which to paint. My only reservation is the pre-recorded soundtrack, rather than enjoying the merits of a live band, but cost and capabilities are clearly an issue.
The money has not been stinted on stage, however, and the large cast is superbly used by Bourne to people the curious town where this modern-day fable plays out. Dominic North, who shares the role of Edward on the tour with Liam Mower, invests the eccentric outsider with all the charm and oddness you’d expect, but the strength of the dancing across the company is notable, and gets full rein in big production numbers such as The Boggs Barbeque and The Annual Christmas Ball.
Whether in poignant duets or huge ensembles, the visual impact is constantly affecting, and much of the audience is on its feet by the end of this mini masterpiece.
* * * *
February 17, 2015
Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, February 21, 2015, then tour continues
FIRST it was a quirky, typically Tim Burton movie, complete with misfit characters, darkly comic metaphors and Johnny Depp. Then, in 2005, choreographer Matthew Bourne got his claws into Edward Scissorhands and transformed him into a modern ballet, instantly creating something of a classic in the process.
Now the production is back for its first major revival thanks to the dance company New Adventures, with a huge, lavish show touring the UK. Bourne’s choreography remains as fresh and innovative as ever, while Lez Brotherston’s stunning designs capture all the imaginative weirdness of the original film while adding extra layers for the live performance.
Much of the success of the ballet version, Bourne’s brilliance notwithstanding, is down to the genius of Oscar-nominated composer Danny Elfman, the man behind such iconic themes as The Simpsons and Men in Black. His music from the Scissorhands movie has been developed and arranged by Terry Davies into a sumptuous, witty and eclectic score, full of depth and variety and offering the performers a fabulous canvas on which to paint. My only reservation is the pre-recorded soundtrack, rather than enjoying the merits of a live band, but cost and capabilities are clearly an issue.
The money has not been stinted on stage, however, and the large cast is superbly used by Bourne to people the curious town where this modern-day fable plays out. Dominic North, who shares the role of Edward on the tour with Liam Mower, invests the eccentric outsider with all the charm and oddness you’d expect, but the strength of the dancing across the company is notable, and gets full rein in big production numbers such as The Boggs Barbeque and The Annual Christmas Ball.
Whether in poignant duets or huge ensembles, the visual impact is constantly affecting, and much of the audience is on its feet by the end of this mini masterpiece.
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