Get Out More.............................Dance Review

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat)

14-11-2008

Matthew Bourne's interpretation of the classic Tim Burton movie has been packing 'em in at The Hipp. Terry Wills joins the admiring throng.

The curtain drops. A Full House audience rise in unison to offer a standing ovation. Cries of “More, more” ring out. Their appreciation to a cast that had once again provided another dance spectacular succinctly summing up what had been a memorable evening.

But then bearing in mind the recipients were Matthew Bourne’s New Invention Company it came as no surprise to those who visit the Birmingham Hippodrome whenever his talented dancers, aided by innovative lighting, enchanting music, and inventive set designers, are the catalysts.

Matthew Bourne is no stranger to the Hippodrome. His earlier production, The Car Man, a stunning interpretation of Bizet’s Opera Carmen also receiving  public and critical acclaim.

All the same, tackling ‘Edward Scissorhands’, a Gothic Fantasy tale that was a massive cinema hit back in 1990, must have been a daunting task.

It had been Matthew’s personal dream to transfer this enchanting story into a stage production, its development was seven years in the making before agreement, support and encouragement from the shows creators was handed over to his New Invention Company.

To those who have seen the film, complete with a very sensitive performance from Johnny Depp, the story should have been familiar but as with any Matthew Bourne production the original storyline is simply the beginning point for his own unique interpretation.

This adaptation tells the story, in dance, of Edward Scissorhands – the brainchild of an inventor who sadly died before he could complete his creation. Everything in place apart from possessing a pair of hands. Instead he’d been left with sharp shears with all the disadvantages this entailed.

Confused and living alone he’s taken to live with Peg Boggs and her family where his strange appearance inevitably attracts attention among the community. 

But with his gentle personality and his amazing dexterity in utilising his scissor hands to create stunning floral displays, and his ability to cut a person’s hair to any desired style, he becomes the centre of attention and so much in demand that he eventually opens his own ‘Edwardo’ Hair-Dressing salon.

Complications arrive when his ‘human’ traits and feelings lead to him falling in love with Peg’s daughter Kim. This leading to an increase in the tension and already negative vibes emanating from Jim Upton, the son of a neighbouring family.
Bitterly overcome with jealousy and spite, he makes it plain that Edward has no place in Kim’s life. A decision that eventually leads to a series of angry confrontations that can only end one way.

I’ve previously commented that any New Invention dancing is simply unique. Individual dancers join the company from differing artistic backgrounds.

Ballet, contemporary, musical theatre, tap and jazz – they’re all there, but under Bourne’s innovative creative talents they come together to provide a stream of hugely enjoyable performances.

As expected the standard of dancing is a sheer delight but special mention has to be made of Matthew Malthouse’s portrayal of Edward and Kerry Biggins in her role of Kim.

In a post- show talk alongside two of the show’s producers both gave a fascinating insight into the skills required to play such varying roles in a New Invention production.

Matthew explained the difficulties in performing with ‘artificial’ hands. He’d studied Johnnie Depp’s film portrayal in order to familiarise the skills he’d require and this attention to detail was clearly transparent.

He started as a nervous Edward but as the show progressed he made the transformation into a confident ‘human’ being in his own right.  As his love for Kim grew ever stronger he became envious of her relationship with Jim although deep down he realised a true loving relationship was never likely to be reciprocated.

For her part Kerry Biggins explained that learning various dance routines could be very demanding. So much so that at times it meant rehearsing a future production while playing a current role!

The triumph of Edward Scissorhands isn’t only down to the dancers. The set changes and lighting are inventive. The scene changes, ranging from a Suburban Family Value ballet, to a an Annual Christmas Ball are eye catching, while as the whole cast dance around the Christmas Tree, the stage is filled with the sights of innovative choreography of the highest possible standard.

All accompanied by the beautiful original film soundtrack composed by Danny Elfman.

Edward Scissorhands, for those who recognise and believe Dancing as being the ultimate art form, simply has to be a must see production.

It’s toured American, Australian, and European to critical acclaim and now, due to popular demand, it gives Midland audiences another opportunity to see for themselves a truly inspirational production from Matthew Bourne who holds the Hippodrome in great esteem.

In his own words "It continues to be one of the most important dance venues in the country and has some of the best facilities for dancers. I am privileged and thankful to have such a strong relationship with all at the Birmingham Hippodrome and the audiences who have been so supportive of my work and my Company”

To that I will simply add that judging from the wonderful response given from the Full House first night audience, his production of Edward Scissorhands has continued to cast his own brand of theatrical magic over all who see it.

A smash hit Musical success full of imagination that left the audience eagerly looking forward to his next 2009 Hippodrome production.

More details at www.birminghamhippodrome.com

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