Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands

I think this one of Bourne’s best efforts. Over the years I’ve enjoyed his productions less and less but this was really good a few years ago at SW.

A new year offers new opportunities to visit theatres that I have never been to before and tonight Sadler’s Wells gets ticked off the list after watching Edward Scissorhands. My experience of contemporary dance shows only consists of watching Matthew Bourne’s “ Midnight Bell” when it came up to Liverpool whilst on tour. After getting a rush ticket this afternoon for the second circle (D11) I really didn’t know what to expect in terms of view but taking my seat in the auditorium I was really happy with the seat for the bargain price of £29.50.  A great centre view that despite being up in the gods I felt close enough to the stage to get that emotional connection to the piece whilst still being able to clearly see the cast perform. With an excellent rake between each row, people in front really were not an issue in obscuring my view.

I  am really impressed with the venue on my first visit. Friendly and welcoming FOH staff and plenty of space in hang around in on all 3 auditorium levels. Being up in the second circle, I didn’t have any issues with the sound quality during theshow from where I was sat. Based on my visit tonight, I wouldn’t have any hesitation in coming to this venue in the future.

As for the show, I absolutely loved it. A great show from Matthew Bourne that was engaging for the entire 2hrs and 20 minutes. The entire cast led by former Billy Elliot Liam Mower as Edward were superb. Great dancing from all the cast that really conveyed both the emotional angst as well as the humour of the film really well that made you care for the characters. Along with a wonderful score from Terry Davies and Danny Elfman that was brought to life by 14 piece orchestra led by conductor Ellie Slorach and a stunning set design from Lez Brotherston (with video/projections from Duncan McLean) and lighting from Howard Harrison this really was a complete package for me and lifted the show to another level.

As first visits go, I really couldn’t have asked for more from tonight. 5⭐️

I prefer the ballet (of Edward Scissorhands) to the film these days.

Does anyone know if Liam Mower has set shows off? I would love to see him but figure he won't be doing every performance.

I think they may use a live orchestra for the Christmas run at Sadler's Wells but it has always been pre-recorded music when I've seen various New Adventures shows on tour. 

Yes, the orchestra is only ever at Sadlers Wells unfortunately. Shame as it does add to the experience. But they must tour far more extensively than other dance companies, so with a pretty big cast of dancers I can understand them not wanting the added expense of an orchestra.

I saw this last night and thought it was wonderful. I also usually only see musicals, so it was really interesting to see how much could be conveyed with no words at all. I think the sets are a large part of what makes this so enjoyable to watch, along with the fact that there are often so many little scenes playing out on the stage at once that it was fun to look around and catch different things. There's a lot of humour in the show, both in these little scenes and more central moments, which I didn't necessarily expect.

I really have no criticisms, although when I reflect on all the things I enjoyed about the show, the dancing isn't particularly high up the list, which maybe seems odd. I like to watch dancing, but I'm not actually sure what kind of dancing would wow me.

Did you enjoy the show interval99 ?

I saw this yesterday afternoon in Bristol and absolutely adored it. Ben Brown made his debut in the role of Edward; he gave an incredibly nuanced and deeply moving performance, I wouldn't have known it was his first show had I not spotted it afterwards on Ashley Shaw's Instagram. He is a wonderful dancer, capable of conveying so much with the smallest movement. Ashley, in the role of Kim, was as captivating as ever. A beautiful show, sublimely danced, such feeling. Magic. Go see it if you can.

Saw the show this afternoon in Newcastle and it didn’t disappoint. Thoroughly entertaining show with excellent cast. Stephen Murray was exceptional as Edward. Well deserved standing ovation. One of the best Matthew Bourne shows I have seen. An easy 5* from me

Ah, that would be me being snippy!

I saw it in the New Year at Sadlers Wells. The show was a first time for me; I loved the film so much in 1990 that I stayed away from the original production.

With that in my rear view, I went with enthusiasm, but found the changes in plot purposeless if not counter-productive, the choreography uninspired and repetitive (topiary aside), and the staging unrelentingly flat-pack.

I love Matthew Bourne’s interpretations - always a cut above with mile high style and plenty of highlights - but I found this a much lesser work. Not quite curl up and dye but on the fringes of the over-processed Romeo and Juliet…