Preview: Edward Scissorhands at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures return to Newcastle Theatre Royal with Edward Scissorhands

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures

Edward Scissorhands

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Wednesday 27 March – Saturday 6 April 2024.

Ground-breaking dance-theatre company Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures make a triumphant return to Newcastle Theatre Royal with Edward Scissorhands for a breath-taking two week run.

Devised, directed and choreographed by Sir Matthew Bourne OBE and based on the original motion picture directed by Tim Burton, the highly anticipated production promises a witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.

Having has carved a place in the hearts of audiences world-wide since its premiere in 2005, Edward Scissorhands now returns to UK theatres for the first time in 9 years. Audiences will be captivated once again by the tale of acceptance and humanity, following sell out performances in America, Australia, Korea, Japan and Europe.

Edward Scissorhands features a hauntingly beautiful score based on the original motion picture compositions by Danny Elfman with new music and arrangements created by Terry Davies.

The cast consists of many new company members alongside those returning to previous roles. The 2023/24 production will see Liam Mower reprise his iconic role of Edward Scissorhands, alongside Stephen Murray, making his debut in the role, as well as Ashley Shaw, reprising her role as Kim Boggs whilst sharing the role with Katrina Lyndon making her debut as the character.

Edward Scissorhands will also feature Kerry Biggin, Sophia Hurdley, Etta Murfitt and Mami Tomotani as Peg Boggs and Glenn Graham and Dominic North as Bill Boggs.

Benjamin Barlow Bazeley and Ben Brown will play Jim Upton with Stephanie Billers, Nicole Kabera and Ashley Shaw as Joyce Monroe and James Lovell, Luke Murphy and Reece Causton as her husband, George.

Xavier Sotiya, this year’s New Adventures Emerging Artist, will make his professional debut in Edward Scissorhands after graduating from Central School of Ballet earlier in 2023.

The set and costumes are designed by Lez Brotherston, lighting designed by Howard Harrison and sound designed by Paul Groothuis.

Upon announcing the tour, Sir Matthew Bourne shared “Never has the story of Edward Scissorhands been more timely. In an era when uniqueness and identity is both celebrated and reviled, its story of how we treat anyone who appears to be different in our communities is as poignant and relevant as when my dear friend Caroline Thompson wrote the screenplay for Tim Burton’s legendary movie fable some 33 years ago.”

Can Edward find his place in the well-meaning community which struggles to see past his curious appearance to the innocence and gentleness within?

Photos by Johan Persson

Tickets:

Edward Scissorhands plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Wednesday 27 March – Saturday 6 April 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.