Scissorhandz, Southwark Playhouse Elephant Review
Written by Danai for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Scissorhandz, a jukebox musical making its London debut at Southwark Playhouse, delivers fantastic musical moments and showcases incredible on-stage talent. However, while the production excels in energy and entertainment, it falls short in narrative cohesion and plot development.
One undeniable highlight is the exceptional cast. Jordan Kai Burnett captures Edward Scissorhands’ earnestness and curiosity, setting the right tone for the show. Dionne Gipson shines as the Inventor, delivering phenomenal vocal performances, while Emma Williams adapts beautifully as Peg, navigating the character’s developments with grace. Annabelle Terry, Tricia Adele Turner, and Ryan O’Connor as the energetic neighbours bring infectious energy that keeps the audience engaged and entertained. Lauren Jones, as Kim, delivers a standout performance toward the end, adding an element of surprise to an already strong ensemble.
The jukebox element is handled well, with a diverse and unpredictable range of tracks that keep the audience guessing. This variety adds excitement and enhances the show's feel-good atmosphere, encouraging audience members to dance and sing along.
Yet despite this vibrancy, the narrative struggles to match the musical energy. Tim Burton's original Edward Scissorhands captured the poignancy of outsider characters, resonating with those who felt a little "freakier" or "weirder." The decision to reinvent the story for the stage, offering Edward an ending that celebrates belonging rather than isolation, is a brilliant and timely choice. The exploration of queerness in the conservative town of the story holds great potential but requires further development to deliver a powerful and coherent message.
In contemporary theatre, where identity and inclusion are significant themes, Scissorhandz touches on important ideas but remains at the surface level. The writing often leans on clichés rather than digging deeper into its themes, relying heavily on audience familiarity with the original story. As a result, some dialogue feels forced, and the story's evolution lacks organic flow. Greater attention to the narrative could transform the production from merely entertaining to truly meaningful.
Overall, Scissorhandz offers a fun, heartwarming evening with dynamic performances and high-energy musical moments. It brings Edward Scissorhands back to audiences in a reimagined form, aiming to celebrate belonging and acceptance. With stronger narrative development, this promising production could fully realize its potential and leave a lasting impression.
At Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 29 March 2025
★ ★ ★
