New Adventures' Edward Scissorhands

The Lowry Lyric Theatre

Until Saturday

TIM Burton’s gothic fairytale romance might not be an obvious choice for a family Christmas show, but in the assured hands of choreographer Matthew Bourne we learn two things — firstly that the tale does not rely solely on the charms of Johnny Depp, and secondly that ballet doesn’t need to be serious — it can be funny and whimsical and scary and sad.

The production has been around the world in the last two years, but has lost none of the charm it had on its first release.

Bourne’s chocolate-box world, lovingly created by designer Lez Brotherston, is the perfect setting for the petty intrigues and adorable escapades of the characters as they learn to accept the stranger in their midst.

But, as anyone familiar with the film will know, tragedy is always lurking round the corner, and there is an increased sense of poignancy as we watch Dominic North play Edward as an outcast boy learning to become a normal teenager and falling in love beyond the way, knowing full well that there cannot be a happy ending.

The choreography is both breathtaking and accessible, placing the importance of telling the story over any fancy-pants showing off, and so makes Edward Scissorhands the perfect introduction to dance.

And although I’m not ashamed to admit that as snow fell at the end of the performance I had a tear in my eye, the overwhelming emotion throughout is one of joy — the love that has gone into creating this magical performance is plain to see.