(AD – PRESS NIGHT) MATTHEW BOURNE’S EDWARD SCISSORHANDS REVIEW
HULL NEW THEATRE
TUESDAY 23RD APRIL 2024 @ 7.30PM
***** 5/5
Last night, we were back at Hull New Theatre for another press night. This time, it was to see another ballet but as with every Matthew Bourne production, it was anything but a traditional ballet. Here’s my Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
Edward Scissorhands is the fourth ballet that I’ve seen by Matthew Bourne, after Swan Lake, The Midnight Bell and Romeo & Juliet. Every single one of them has been spectacular and unique but all with a Bourne twist. I’ve always loved how Bourne incorporates various styles of dance (and often a nod to a musical or two) throughout his ballets so seamlessly and will even choreograph modern movement with a traditional, classical score.
I’ve only seen the film once when I used to stay after school for Film Club. Because I detest the lead actor, I doubt I’ll ever watch it again. However, I could barely recall anything about the movie. For some reason, I was thinking it was dark and creepy. Turns out, I couldn’t have been further from the truth!
THE CAST
I have to start with Hull’s very own, Liam Mower, who led the production as Edward Scissorhands. Fun fact, I grew up in the same dance class before he got the Billy Elliot gig and am always filled with pride when I see him on stage. Arguably, I think this is his best performance to date. You felt every emotion through both his movement and his acting. I felt like he gave it an extra something for his hometown show.
Despite having a lead, it’s definitely more of an ensemble piece. We’re introduced to six families, each with four members, each having their own sub-plots and personalities (along with playing other characters too). Standouts included Edward’s love interest Kim (Jade Copas), Kim’s mother who takes Edward into her home (Sophia Hurdley) and their horny neighbour (Nicole Kabera). However, there are lots of New Adventures favourites across the cast as well as new faces in the 25-strong cast.
THE PRODUCTION
No expense has been spared on this tour. The costumes are exceptional from start to finish. However, the topiaries were absolutely terrifying to me for some reason! Lez Brotherston is both set and costume designer and the sets were equally as magnificent. The use of a front screen to pull down whilst changing the sets behind it allowed us to see a little more of each character at various points in the show. Hull New Theatre doesn’t have the largest stage in the world but Brotherston managed to make it feel vast.
I can’t mention the production without mentioning Matthew Bourne’s choreography and once again, he’s hit it out of the park. Because it’s set in the 1950s, you get some swing and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired dancing with contemporary, modern, Charleston, jazz and ballet. And not a pointe shoe in sight!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Considering I went in without a great deal of knowledge, it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in a theatre. There was almost too much going on at some points that it was hard to keep track of every pair or group. However, I enjoyed the multiple sub-plots alongside the main storyline. This cast is out of this world talented and I just wished that the show had been longer because it whizzed by!
If you can see this show, I’d highly recommend it. It’s on in Hull until 27th April before showing in Edinburgh and Glasgow. I hope it will tour again because I want to see it again!
If you enjoyed this Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands review, you can find my other theatre reviews right here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok too.
