Stage adaptation is a Bourne loser

8:04am Thursday 15th December 2005

Edward Scissorhands
Sadler's Wells.

You can understand the current trend for adapting films to the stage such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Lion King, The Producers and Saturday Night Fever. They make great musicals for the stage. But Tim Burton's dark and gothic Edward Scissorhands?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Walthamstow-born director Matthew Bourne would have his work cut out here but to a certain extent he makes a very courageous stab at it. However he doesn't quite cut it.

This is a very professional, visually stunning, evocative production which ultimately fails to grab the audience by its emotional jugular.

The production has many poignant and arresting moments, especially the gothic night sky framing the Frankenstein moment of Edward's creation that opens the performance, Edward's amazing hairdressing skills and the sleek scene changes from Hammer gothic to all-American apple pie streets to Kim Bogg's pink cheerleader's bedroom.

But while the choreography and designer Lez Brotherston's costumes are mesmerising and the production displays moments of theatrical brillance, it deliberately or otherwise, descends into comedy farce at times especially the romantic moments and as every opportunity is taken for a song or dance routine, the tension of Tim Burton's film version of the story gets lost.

The characters however are amazingly well realised despite the fact they do not speak at all.

The Bible bashers, the desperate housewives and the middle aged middle class bores of small town America are immediately and brilliantly exposed by their quirky behaviour and dance routines. They are highly enjoyable and provide many comedy moments.

Sam Archer's portrayal of Edward is breathtaking. His dancing and feel for portraying the scary, paradoxical world of Edward's gothic danger and tenderness is colossal.

But in its transformation from stage to screen the character of Edward is missing something crucial, his ability to create tension and drama.

The power of Edward's character in the film came from his outsider status but here he is too busy cosying up to characters, dancing, clowning or swooning to be taken seriously.

The audience cannot feel his pain or share his point of view.

This stage version is probably far too slick for its own good. You'll love this if you err on the side of musicals or dance productions or visually stunning theatre.

But if you're in the mood for the original haunting drama of this classic story, rent the dvd and put your feet up at home.

• Edward Scissorhands runs at Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Ave, London, EC1R 4TN until February 5. Nearest Tube is Angel. To book call 0870 737 7737 .