An assortment of Tim Burton fans make their way into the Festival Theatre sporting t-shirts or styles that celebrate his gothic fantasy films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Dark Shadows.
For those of us who grew up with movies such as Beetlejuice and Batman in the 1980s, Burton’s work remains a definitive part of childhood and there is a strong connection for a generation of dedicated observers. Edward Scissorhands is another classic outsider story with elements of Frankenstein and the classic fairytale. Director, deviser and choreographer Matthew Bourne has reclaimed the spellbinding tenants of silent film, his quirky cast of characters secure laughs with subtle gestures and behaviour throughout.
Nikolas Shikkris summons a sense of vampire menace early on all in black as Gabriel Evereech, he and his gang’s sublime movement with violent intent suggest Alex and his Droogs from Stanley Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange. Liam Mower is spellbinding in the kinetic role made famous by Johnny Depp and like Depp he manages to make the audience feel a range of emotions throughout by showing us Edward’s character through movement, dance and facial expression.
Perhaps most importantly, we are aware of how others accept (or don’t accept) his sense of remaining different or peculiar while living in the suburbs. Nicole Kabera as lusty neighbour Joyce Monroe plays it for laughs as Edward styles her hair or fends off her advances. There is a panorama of iconic scenes soundtracked by Danny Elfman’s affecting score.
The Christmas Ball dance is mesmerising and makes full use of a talented and colourful cast but it is perhaps the charming farewell between Edward and Kim Boggs (Holly Saw) that will remain with audiences the longest after the curtain falls.
*****
Edward Scissorhands, Festival Theatre
