Issued 29 January, 2008
NEW ADVENTURES, MARTIN McCALLUM and MARC PLATT PRESENT
THE AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
Matthew Bourne’s long-awaited staging of Edward Scissorhands has finally arrived, and a magical world beckons… The New York Times
…Edward's magic shears make shear theatrical magic Time Magazine
Sydney Opera House, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth and the Arts Centre, Melbourne are delighted to present the national tour of Matthew Bourne’s production, Edward Scissorhands.
A huge hit in London’s Sadler’s Wells theatre, this magical new dance theatre production of the classic Tim Burton motion picture will premiere at Sydney Opera House for an exclusive three week season from 29 May – 14 June 2008 before touring Australia.
Devised, directed and choreographed by Briton, Matthew Bourne, Edward Scissorhands is the follow-up production to his smash hit Australian tour of Swan Lake.
This touching and witty gothic fairy-tale transforms the 1990 cult movie into humorous dance drama – with no words to clutter the theatrical terrain. Instead, expressive dance, pantomime, a sumptuous musical score performed live, witty and spectacular stage tableaux and dramatic lighting tell the heart-warming story.
Edward Scissorhands follows Edward, a sweet-natured, wistful young boy, created by an eccentric inventor who, upon his sudden death, leaves him with scissors instead of hands.
Edward flees to Hope-Springs, a candy-coloured 1950s suburban community where he falls for Kim, the teenage daughter of his adopted family. She’s smitten and their tender, yet ill-fated love story is at the heart of Bourne’s stage interpretation.
A treat for the entire family, this enchanting production features outstanding staging notably a scary Halloween sequence, a hilarious neighbourhood ballet and a topiary garden that springs to life.
Brilliant sequences of vivacious dance ensembles favouring scissor-legged lifts, crisp turns and jazz-jiving reminiscent of West Side Story drive the narrative and establish the mood for each scene.
Capturing the deepest of emotions with the tiniest of gestures, Edward majestically brandishes his blades like a peacock in moments of triumph and folds into himself in despair, amplifying his emotional journey as an outcast while endearing him to the audience. Kim’s macho boyfriend revels in a suave bravado and a sultry tango is the motif for the neighbourhood vamp.
Adding to the magic are exquisite sets by Lez Brotherston (Swan Lake, Cinderella, Highland Fling,) which evolve from haunted mansions and pastel mini-suburbia to animal topiary with glowing red eyes and a wonderland of glittering ice sculpture.
Composer/arranger, Terry Davies expands the rhapsodic themes in Danny Elfman’s memorable film score and includes captivating jazz and neo-classical tunes of his own. The luscious score will be performed live for the premiere Sydney season.
About Matthew Bourne:
Bourne's talents weren't bred in the ballet world. Born in East London, he was a child who loved music, movies and theatre and was putting on little shows at a precocious age. Bourne didn't start dance training until he was 22, studying at the Laban Centre, which puts more emphasis on contemporary dance and composition than on ballet.
Renowned for his inspired interpretations of beloved stories and the winner of five Olivier Awards, Bourne has also dazzled international audiences with his production of Swan Lake (1995) the world's longest-running ballet production featuring a corps of male swans, which was also seen in Stephen Daldry’s hit film, Billy Elliot.
Swan Lake has made Bourne the only British director to win Tony Awards for both Best Director and Best Choreographer. His other triumphs include Nutcracker!, the witty, erotic Play Without Words, Highland Fling, an adaptation of La Sylphide, Cinderella and his highly original version of Bizet’s Carmen titled The Car-Man. Bourne has also co-choreographed and co-directed the stage adaptation of the motion picture Mary Poppins, which recently opened on Broadway.
Edward Scissorhands is a funny, poignant and magical way to spend the evening.
Season Details:
Sydney
Sydney Opera House: 29 May - 14 June (Australian Premiere: 31 May)
Tickets: 02 9250 7777 | Groups: 02 9250 7700
Brisbane
Queensland Performing Arts Centre: 18 – 22 June
Tickets: qtix 136 246 | Groups: 07 3840 7466
Perth
His Majesty’s Theatre: 1 - 6 July
Tickets: 08 9484 1133
Melbourne
the Arts Centre: 22 July - 3 August
Tickets: Ticketmaster 1300 136 166
www.edwardscissorhands.com.au