We were always told never to run with scissors, but the razor-sharp title character in choreographer Matthew Bourne’s latest production will be dancing with a giant set of paper-cutters hanging from each arm, writes Georgina Butler.
Theatregoers in the new city are used to Bourne’s troupe, New Adventures, bringing cutting-edge productions but his take on ‘Edward Scissorhands’ promises to be a cut above. The adaptation has proven to be a ‘shear’ delight since its premiere in 2005, enjoying sell-out performances across Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Newly-revived for the current season, this spectacular modern fairy tale is sure to carve out an even bigger fan-base for Bourne here in Milton Keynes.
Based on Tim Burton’s 1990 fantasy film, the show features beautiful music by Danny Elfman and Terry Davies and tells the bittersweet story of a boy created by a lonely inventor. Unfortunately, the inventor dies before he can finish his companion, leaving Edward is alone and incomplete, sporting scissors for hands. The vulnerable Edward must then find his place in a strange suburban world where the well-meaning community struggle to see past his unusual appendages.
The show has been devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, whose inimitable approach to adapting popular cultural works has won him critical acclaim - as well as popularity among audiences that might normally shy away from dance.
New Adventures favourite Dominic North will play the title character, returning to the role that won him a National Dance Award nomination as Best Male Dancer in 2009. Also sharpening his blades will be rising star Liam Mower (of ‘Billy Elliot’ fame) who is debuting in the role of Edward on this tour.
New Adventures dancer Tim Hodges trained locally before winning a place at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. He now lives in Wixams, where he and wife Louisa have established their own dance school (Barratt School of Dance).
Tim has previously danced in the ensemble of Matthew Bourne’s ‘Edward Scissorhands’ and toured with New Adventures’ ‘Swan Lake’ last year. In the current production of ‘Edward Scissorhands’, Tim takes on the role of Bill Boggs (the father of Edward’s sweetheart, Kim) in some performances and that of Jim Upton (Kim’s All-American boyfriend) in the others.
Tim said: “I performed in Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’ last year which is really hard physically with lots of ensemble dancing. It is in many ways just like a full-scale normal ballet with everyone playing similar characters like in a classical corps of girls – we were all individual guys but we were dancing as one so we did not get to develop any individual characters. ‘Edward Scissorhands’ is completely different because everyone has their own characters.
“When I am dancing as Jim, I think of it as a series of short sprints because he has high energy bursts of dancing which are broken up by ten minutes offstage before another high-energy appearance.
“The role of Bill is steadier but I particularly enjoy a Christmas swing dance at the end of the show when I get to do a bit of improvised “dad-dancing”. I have a lot of fun with that as, within reason, I can do whatever I want!
Tim added: “Our ‘Edward Scissorhands’ has really got a bit of everything – humour, romance, drama. The romance between Edward and Kim starts off awkwardly but it is beautiful and the big overriding story is of acceptance and how we should not be too quick to judge. This finishes in a really powerful moment at the end of the show. It has all the brilliant music and lighting you would expect too and Lez Brotherston’s sets and designs are just amazing.”
Matthew Bourne’s ‘Edward Scissorhands’ opens on Tuesday (Feb 17) and performances continue until Saturday (Feb 21).
Make sure you get a slice of the action - get booking!
Call Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office on 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes.
Barratt School of Dance – http://www.barrattschoolofdance.co.uk/
Visit http://www.georginabutler.wordpress.com for more dance and theatre reviews, interviews and features and follow Georgina on Twitter @GeorginaLButler.
