Scissorhandz at Southwark Playhouse

Tim Burton’s gothic fairytale Edward Scissorhands has become a beloved cult classic since its release in 1990. The tale of an incomplete artificial man who is introduced into suburban society resonates for its themes of acceptance and self-discovery. The material seems a natural fit for musical theatre and writer/director Bradley Bredeweg, who well and truly embraces revelling in the beauty of being different with this delightfully camp incarnation.

There is an unapologetically LGBTQ+ slant with this adaptation, which uses the character of Edward as a metaphor for how society treats those who are deemed different. The show makes its UK premiere following a sold-out run in Los Angeles. Billed as “a musical reinvented”, and boasting Michelle Visage and Lance Bass of NSYNC as co-producers, anticipation abounds.

Alas, although its intentions are admirable and the musical is bursting at the seams with heart and energy, Scissorhandz feels as incomplete as its protagonist. All the ingredients for a memorable evening of entertainment are within reach, however, it doesn’t come together in the way it should. Songs seem to have no cohesion to them as we jump from Chaka Khan to Evanescence to Leona Lewis. While the playlist brims with crowdpleasers, one can’t help but notice their randomness. 

Sticking to a 90s soundtrack would be the obvious choice, however, here it feels a free-for-all all with numbers simply thrown in for the sake of it or with only tentative links to the narrative. This serves to reiterate the lack of identity the musical struggles with. It doesn’t quite know what it wants to be: parody, retelling or straight-up celebration of queerness.

Visually, we are gifted an absolute feast. Abby Clarke nails her costume design while Adam King’s inventive lighting enhances proceedings. Choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento also impresses. The performers all bring their A-game with Jordan Kai Burnett fully embracing their role as Scissorhands, hyping us up in a depiction far removed from the softly spoken introverted portrayal by Johnny Depp.

Burnett is well supported by a committed cast, with Emma Williams, Dionne Gipson and Tricia Adele-Turner all being of note. They all do their very best with the material but despite the high calibre of talent on display, this remains an inconsistent production. Laugh-out-loud moments collide with serious scenes, rendering us unsure of how we should be feeling at any given time and we come away with the sense that what should have been big and bold is actually just a faint outline. There is great potential here but for now, Scissorhandz doesn’t quite cut it.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Danny Kaan

Scissorhandz is at Southwark Playhouse from 23^rd January until 29^th March 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Scissorhandz at Southwark Playhouse here: