We all love an outsider and there’s no bigger outsider than Tim Burton’s loveable weirdo, Edward Scissorhands. The hit 90s fantasy film tells the story of a boy created by an eccentric inventor, left alone and unfinished with only scissors for hands, struggling to fit into suburban America. Matthew Bourne’s live theatrical adaptation only takes this strange tale to weirder and more wonderful places.
Since its premiere in 2005, Edward Scissorhands has performed sold-out shows across America, Australia, Korea and Japan and Europe. But the last time we saw everyone’s favourite hairdresser-cum-hedge trimmer in Britain was way back in 2014. This bittersweet story will return to the UK for the first time in 9 years, however, for a four-month stint late this year.
The UK tour will kick off at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal on November 25, before finally stopping in our hometown at Birmingham Hippodrome between February 6 to 10, 2024. In between, it will stop at The Lowry in Salford, Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre, as well as a seven-week Christmas Season at Sadler’s Wells in London from December 5, 2023, to January 20, 2024. The tour won’t be cut short in Birmingham though, a further list of dates until May 2024 will be announced soon.
Probably best known for his take on Swan Lake, which was famously once the longest-running ballet in London’s West End and on Broadway, Matthew Bourne has devised, directed and choreographed this production of Edward Scissorhands. Other iconic shows from Matthew and his British dance-theatre company, New Adventures, includes The Midnight Bell, The Nutcracker!, The Car Man, and Sleeping Beauty.
“It’s 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,” said Matthew Bourne.
“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!”
This musical production features new music and arrangements by Terry Davies, all based on the magical score we know and love from the motion picture composed by Danny Elfman. The spectacular sets and costumes are designed by Lez Brotherston, lighting designed by Howard Harrison and sound designed by Paul Groothuis. A full cast announcement will be made shortly.
Tickets for Edward Scissorhands at Birmingham Hippodrome are on sale soon here.
Edward Scissorhands Tour Dates:
Theatre Royal Plymouth – November 20 to 25, 2023
The Lowry in Salford – November 28 to December 2, 2023
Sadler’s Wells in London – December 5, 2023, to January 20, 2024
Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury – January 23 to 27, 2024
Birmingham Hippodrome – February 6 to 10, 2024