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Edward Scissorhands
Presented by: The Arts Centre, New
Adventures, Martin McCallum and Marc Platt
Venue: State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 22nd July 2008
Once there was a boy called Edward…
So begins Matthew Bourne’s ‘pop ballet’ production of the modern
fairy tale of Edward Scissorhands. Based on the 1990 Tim Burton
film, which starred Johnny Depp, the show is a wondrous confection
of gorgeous music, witty, picture-perfect sets and costumes and a
moving story told entirely, and with amazing clarity, through dance.
 A
prologue shows young Edward being struck by lightning while playing
with scissors during a storm. Restitched and brought back to life by
the Inventor, he stumbles into town and is soon a popular hit with
his hedge sculpting, poodle clipping and trendy hairstyling
services. Romance ensues with Kim Boggs but bloody conflict with her
brutish boyfriend ultimately sees Edward driven out of town. The
legacy he leaves is the snow, which he started when shaving the ice
angel modelled on Kim.
An incredibly ambitious touring production, the show is as fully
staged as the original 2005
London
presentation at Sadlers Wells. Lez Brotherston’s design moves from
the gothic cemetery and the Inventor’s laboratory to sunny suburbia,
a kind of Wisteria Lane of the 1950s. Each character in the large
ensemble is clearly established with help from the delightful
costume designs.
 An
establishing scene shows the families of the idyllic neighbourhood
heading off to work, greeting each other politely, campaigning for
election, and even conducting illicit affairs. The show really
shines in ensemble scenes, such as the BBQ/pool party to welcome
Edward and the spectacular Christmas ball. Bourne has created a
particular vocabulary of dance using a deliberately non-naturalistic
blend of classical and modern styles. The teenagers and adults are
clearly distinguished from each other in dance.
Matthew Malthouse delivers an extremely skilful characterisation of
Edward. On stage for basically the whole show, he captures Edward’s
initial awkwardness, his growing grace and confidence, his
blossoming love and his inner turmoil and anguish. In the dream
sequence at the end of act one, in which Edward imagines himself
with hands, Malthouse and Kerry Biggin (Kim) delivered a stirring
pas de deux, one of the main classical sequences of the night. The
intensity of their act two duet is heightened by the fact that it is
the actual Edward with his scissorhands. It is a tribute to the
clever choreography and the artistry of the performers that they can
perform together with incredible grace even with this dangerous
impediment.
 Danny
Elfman’s catchy and evocative score has been adapted and enhanced by
longtime Bourne collaborator Terry Davies. Unfortunately the music
is not played by a live orchestra, but this is understandable given
the huge costs already associated with the tour.
Edward Scissorhands is a rare treat, a show that is pure enjoyment.
Fans of ballet, musicals and theatre in general will find much to
admire and enjoy. Take your chance to see highly talented
collaborators and performers without the cost of an airfare to
London.
Edward Scissorhands runs until 3rd August. Bookings are through The
Arts Centre and Ticketmaster.
Simon has appeared in more than 30 productions over the past twenty
years. Recent roles include Uncle Henry/Guard of the Gate in The
Wizard of Oz (Catchment) and Eugene Fodor in Crazy for You (Whitehorse).
Other favourite roles include Mr Fox in Mack and Mabel, Max in The
Sound of Music, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Julio in Paint Your Wagon,
Marcellus in The Music Man and Grantaire in Les Miserables.
He is also a keen audience member, having seen over 50 shows in
five weeks on a recent trip to New York and
London.
Simon is currently in rehearsals as choreographer for his school
production of Little Shop of Horrors. Simon has served on the Music
Theatre Guild of
Victoria
Committee for four years, and is currently Treasurer.
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