Edward Scissorhands returns for UK tour and London run in 2023
Matthew Bourne’s dance adaptation of Edward Scissorhands is to return for a UK tour and festive season in London.
Devised, directed and choreographed by Bourne, based on the classic Tim Burton movie of the same name, the show will begin its tour at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 20 – 25 November 2023.
The production will then head to The Lowry, Salford from 28 November – 2 December, ahead of a seven-week Christmas Season at Sadler’s Wells, London from 5 December 2023 – 20 January 2024.
The tour will then continue in 2024 at The Marlowe, Canterbury (23 – 27 January) and Birmingham Hippodrome (6 – 10 February) with full tour dates and venues until May to be announced soon.
Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his company, New Adventures return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.
In a castle high on a hill lives Edward; a boy created by an eccentric inventor. When his creator dies, he is left alone and unfinished with only scissors for hands until a kindly townswoman invites him to live with her suburban family. Can Edward find his place in the well-meaning community which struggles to see past his curious appearance to the innocence and gentleness within?
Casting is to be announced.
Matthew Bourne said: “I’ve always been attracted by ‘outsider’ stories in my work and Edward Scissorhands is the ultimate ‘outsider’ story. Its tale of how we treat people who we perceive as being ‘different’ in our communities has never been more timely, so I’m delighted to be bringing it back after an absence of 9 years to theatres throughout the UK. What I particularly love about this modern-day fairy tale is that although it does have an important message to convey, and a bitingly satirical look at American society, it is also the most wonderful fun you could possibly have in a theatre!
“Add to that a touching love story, the magical music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, the spectacular lighting of Howard Harrison, the genius of Lez Brotherston’s witty designs …. plus a mini ballet of dancing topiary people and you have an unbeatable and unique theatrical treat! I’m grateful, as ever, for the trust that Tim Burton, Danny Elfman and Caroline Thompson had in New Adventures to grant permission for us to make our version of their now classic tale – the only company in the world to perform Edward Scissorhands as a live theatrical experience.”
Edward Scissorhands is devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, with new music and arrangements by Terry Davies based on themes from the motion picture score composed by Danny Elfman. The show is based on the original motion picture by arrangement with 20th Century Studios, with original story and motion picture directed by Tim Burton, and original screenplay, story and co-adaptation by Caroline Thompson. The set and costumes designed by Lez Brotherston, lighting designed by Howard Harrison and sound designed by Paul Groothuis. By Special Arrangement with Buena Vista Theatricals.
