Bourne’s Scissorhands Returns to Sadler’s Wells

Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of Tim Burton’s 1990 film Edward Scissorhands will return to London for a new seven-week season this Christmas. As part of a new international tour, the dance drama will run at Sadler’s Wells, where it broke box office records during its first season in late 2005, from 3 December 2008 to 17 January 2009.

In the gothic fairy tale, an eccentric inventor dies before completing his latest creation, a boy who, left with only scissors for hands, must find his own way in a strange suburban world. Johnny Depp took the title role in the screen original, which also starred Winona Rider as his teenage love interest and daughter of the Avon lady who befriends Scissorhands and gives him a home.

Edward Scissorhands is devised, directed and choreographed by Bourne, based on the original 20th Century Fox motion picture, and features music by Terry Davies based on Danny Elfman’s film score. The production is designed by Lez Brotherston, with lighting by Howard Harrison and sound by Paul Groothuis.

For this first revival, Matthew Malthouse and Dominic North will alternate in the title role. Also in the 30-strong company are Kerry Biggin, Etta Murfitt, Adam Galbraith, Steve Kirkham and Nina Goldman as well as Ross Carpenter, Dena Lague, Rachel Lancaster, Mami Tomotani and Shelby Williams.

Prior to London, Edward Scissorhands will also visit Birmingham, Salford and Wimbledon. And, before and after the UK, it will tour Australia for nine weeks, spend four weeks in Paris and visit Athens and Antwerp.

The new dates for Edward Scissorhands follow those for Bourne’s new dance drama based on Oscar Wilde’s 1891 gothic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (See News, 2 Apr 2008). Dorian Gray premieres at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival in August before transferring to Sadler’s Wells from 2 to 14 September and then touring to Plymouth, Norwich and Newcastle.

– by Terri Paddock