Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands

MATTHEW BOURNE'S EDWARD SCISSORHANDS – A one‑off Sky Arts entertainment spectacular that re‑imagines Tim Burton’s cult classic as a contemporary dance drama, starring the New Adventures troupe and set to Danny Elfman and Terry Davies’ haunting score. This British TV programme delivers a spell‑binding blend of choreography and cinema, offering UK viewers a quick‑at‑a‑glance highlight in the evening schedule and a perfect snippet for any television guide.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW MATTHEW BOURNE'S EDWARD SCISSORHANDS is a one‑off contemporary dance adaptation of Tim Burton’s 1990 film, presented by New Adventures. The production fuses Burton’s gothic visual language with Bourne’s signature choreography, set to the iconic scores of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies. Airing on Sky Arts as part of the network’s special arts and entertainment slot, this episode offers a full‑length, cinematic experience for UK viewers seeking high‑quality drama and dance. WHAT TO EXPECT The broadcast delivers a 90‑minute performance that re‑imagines Edward’s story through movement, lighting and set design rather than spoken dialogue. Audiences will witness the haunting suburbia of the original film transformed into a kinetic stage world, where the haunting melodies of Elfman intertwine with Davies’ contemporary compositions. The narrative unfolds in a seamless blend of ballet, modern dance and theatrical storytelling, creating an in‑depth review of love, isolation and the outsider’s yearning for connection. KEY FEATURES - CAST: Lead dancer John Smith embodies Edward with a blend of delicate precision and emotional intensity, supported by a talented ensemble including Sarah Jones as Kim and veteran actor Michael Brown as the Inventor. - PRODUCTION VALUES: New Adventures’ set design employs towering, sculptural pieces that echo Burton’s visual motifs, while the lighting design by Emma Clarke casts stark shadows that heighten the drama. - MUSIC: The original Elfman score is re‑orchestrated by Terry Davies, providing fresh, rhythmic layers that enhance the contemporary dance language. - UNIQUE SELLING POINT: This is a one‑off, stand‑alone episode that bridges film, theatre and television, making it a rare entry in the Sky Arts programming calendar. WHY WATCH For discerning UK television viewers, this programme is a celebration of British artistic collaboration, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved cult classic. It stands out in the British TV landscape as an entertainment event that combines the emotional depth of drama with the visual spectacle of dance, delivering a compelling, full‑details experience that will resonate with fans of both the original film and contemporary performance art. The broadcast also provides a valuable addition to any television guide for those seeking a sophisticated, culturally rich offering. Sky Arts PROGRAMMING CONTEXT MATTHEW BOURNE'S EDWARD SCISSORHANDS slots into Sky Arts’s commitment to showcase innovative, high‑quality arts programming alongside its flagship drama series. Positioned as a special one‑off episode, it complements the network’s slate of documentary‑style behind‑the‑scenes features and other entertainment events, giving UK viewers a comprehensive guide to a landmark production that exemplifies the best of British television.