Interview with Jordan Kai Burnett, Scissorhandz: A Musical Reinvented
Interview conducted by Danai for Theatre and Tonic.
The European premiere of Bradley Bredeweg’s critically acclaimed musical Scissorhandz: A Musical Reinvented arrives in London this January. Running for a limited engagement from January 23, 2025, at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, this innovative production offers a fresh and humorous twist on Tim Burton’s cult classic Edward Scissorhands. Featuring a dynamic soundtrack with hits from Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Alanis Morissette, Scissorhandz celebrates individuality and the courage to stand out.
The London production will star Jordan Kai Burnett, reprising the role of Scissorhands, which they originated in Los Angeles. Ahead of the opening, we spoke with Jordan to find out more about this new addition to London.
What makes your portrayal of Scissorhands in Scissorhandz Reinvented unique compared to previous interpretations of the character?
Ι am the only one who’s ever done it so far (in a musical format). Since 2018 I have been the only person which is an incredible gift. I think that by the nature of being a queer person and being a gender fluid person and bringing who I am to the show it makes the story that we all know and love different, just by who is playing Scissorhandz. I think that’s probably the biggest thing.
And this is one thing that the audience takes with them after the sow. What else do you think that the audience will take away with them?
The combination of the music and the movie that we love and the joy. There is an unbelievable feeling when you leave the show – you feel authentically, you are proud of who you are. If you really leave feeling good about who you are, then we’ve done your job. It’s not easy but I do think that if you watch the show and you feel safe for a moment and you feel that you love who you are a bit more in your own skin, that’s a win.
And musicals actually do have this power!
I think that to be an actor in musical theatre you have to believe that otherwise I would be an accountant or something. I love what I do. I am not a brain scientist but what I do I love and what it leaves in the room I love so if I don’t believe in it, who’s going to?
How was the preparation and rehearsals? Anything you’d like to share about the rehearsals?
I think there’s plenty I can do with my own time but I think that being in the room with this incredible cast and building a show together is such a special experience and I think you’ll see that on stage. You will see the love in the room. The teamwork was wonderful – such a great group of people, such a fun, full-hearted group of people, it’s really special.
If you could describe this version of Scissorhands in three words, what would they be?
Queer musical fantasia.
Catch Jordan Kai Burnett in Scissorhandz at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 23 Jan - 29 Mar 2025.
