5 reasons to see Edward Scissorhands at Liverpool Empire Theatre

It’s almost 20 years since Matthew Bourne’s magical production first graced the stage, but it’s as beautiful, and creative, and funny – and sharp – as ever.

Cleverly adapted from the 1990 Tim Burton film, Edwards Scissorhands is at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday, February 24.

And here are five (of many) reasons why you have to see it:

Stunning storyline

Staying close to the original storyline it tells the tale of Edward Scissorhands, who wants nothing more than a normal life and, like many of us, to fit in – a dream made impossible by the scissors he has for hands. With Frankenstein-esque undertones, Edward is the creation of an elderly inventor who dies before he is able to complete his masterpiece and give him hands, and who’s offered a home by kindly housewife Peg Boggs who sees his loneliness … and the chance to embrace and adapt to 1950s American surburbia where not everyone is welcoming.

You won’t be able to take your eyes off Edward

The entire ensemble of Bourne’s New Adventures company is simply stunning, superbly telling the story though expression as much as the seemingly effortless movement and dance at which they excel. Liam Mower, however, is just incredible as the hero who explores his new environment with a naivety and curiosity that grows to understanding, capturing a stiff-legged gait and bewilderment befitting his character while also telling a love story and beautifully navigating romantic choreography despite his bladed ‘fingers’. It’s 20 years since he first played the original Billy Elliot on the London stage so it seems like a coming of age for both him and Edward.

You’ll laugh

Renowned for his humour, Matthew Bourne is a master at making us laugh, whether that’s through the creative new hairstyles Edward gives Hope Springs’ inhabitants – and its pets – or the contrasting fitness efforts of its neighbours, one the wimpy downtrodden weakling and the other the all-American buffed-up bronzed god.

And you’ll cry

Essentially Edward Scissorhands is a love story between Edward and Kim Boggs for whom he falls. While the scissorhands render him unable to touch and have contact, we see a developing fondness which culminates in two amazing duets in which they both express their feelings – one a fantasy sequence surrounded by dancing topiary where Edward has hands, the other after he has sculpted an ice angel and he lifts her over his shoulders without ever touching her with his dangerous blades. His happiness when she kisses him is tender, innocent, and touching.

You’ll be transported to another world…

By the music echoing the original film score which goes from fun and light-hearted one minute to spikey and shivery the next; by the amazing set with its neat, cut-out houses for Hope Springs and the haunting broken gates of the town’s cemetery, and the colourful costumes which create a Truman Show-like cartoon vibe.