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An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Sarah Frater's rating
Reader rating
Description: An adaptation of Tim Burton's film about an unusual boy who must find his place in the world.
Trains: Tube: Angel 
Phone: 0844412 4300
Website: www.sadlerswells.com
Matthew Bourne made his name giving familiar classics an ingenious twist. His all-male Swan Lake, and his Nutcracker set in an orphanage make you see those ballets with fresh eyes, and for that Bourne deserves every laurel going.
His dance version of Tim Burton’s fantasy classic is an amiable show, with great sets and larky moves (the dancing topiary is wonderful), but it isn’t close to the pathos of the original.
Indeed, there is a coarseness, with Edward getting his scissored hands caught in people’s crotches, and a man-eating vamp who’s one cliché after the next.
Luridness aside, Bourne is still out-flanked by Burton. The Disney-trained film maker is so ingenious that it’s difficult to imagine anyone adding a twist to his tale. A boy with scissors for hands is already twist enough, so Bourne is backed into turning it into a suburban story of boy meets girl with Edward’s role as saviour-turned-victim entirely lost. Moreover, some of the dancers look under-rehearsed and their acting is only so-so.
This again has you comparing it to the original cast, and who can compete with the charisma of Johnny Depp?
Until 18 January. Information: 0844 412 4300, www.sadlerswells.com.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
I saw this at Wimbledon Theatre a couple of weeks ago and loved it. If the cast is the same, there is no reason to complain. We all thought that Edward was very like Johnny Depp actually. It is a great show for the whole family, including teenagers - so I'm going again with the family this time - it is a wonderful Christmas treat. Go see!!!
- Amanda, London
