SCISSORHANDZ SET TO DAZZLE LONDON WITH POP MUSIC MAGIC

If you’ve ever wondered what Tim Burton’s classic EDWARD SCISSORHANDS would look like if reimagined as a soaring, pop-driven spectacle, wonder no more. SCISSORHANDZ: A MUSICAL REINVENTED has officially arrived in London, beginning performances on 23 January at Southwark Playhouse Elephant and running through 29 March. Audiences can look forward to an opening night on 30 January, complete with all the surreal charm of the original film—plus a hearty dose of camp, chart-topping bops, and an unapologetically modern spin on a cult favourite.

A REINVENTION OF A CULT CLASSIC

Tim Burton’s EDWARD SCISSORHANDS might be remembered for its dreamy suburban landscapes, whimsical Gothic twists, and a famously gentle protagonist whose oversized scissors stand in stark contrast to his childlike innocence. SCISSORHANDZ: A MUSICAL REINVENTED takes those iconic elements and grafts them onto a jukebox musical format, adopting hits from pop superstars like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Alanis Morissette, and more. What once was a cinematic fable about fitting in becomes a high-energy stage show dripping with irreverence, glitter, and razor-sharp choreography.

Originally known as SCISSORHANDS: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE, the production made a splash in Los Angeles before crossing the Atlantic. Jordan Kai Burnett, who originated the role of Scissorhands stateside, is reprising her performance in this new, revamped version. In describing the show’s essence, she calls it a “safe haven” for everyone to celebrate exactly who they are—a fitting sentiment for a piece that highlights acceptance, both in comedic and heartfelt ways.

A STAR-STUDDED ENSEMBLE

Heading up the cast is Jordan Kai Burnett (MAGIC MIKE LIVE LAS VEGAS, ROMY & MICHELE THE MUSICAL) as Scissorhands. Her American performances garnered praise for their blend of powerhouse vocals and comedic timing—qualities perfectly matched to the role of an eccentric outsider who communicates largely through wide-eyed wonder.

Joining her is four-time Olivier nominee Emma Williams (CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS, HALF A SIXPENCE, LOVE STORY) as Peg, the suburban mother figure whose open-hearted acceptance of Scissorhands sets the musical’s events in motion. Williams’s history of commanding West End stages bodes well for the show, suggesting her portrayal of Peg will be both genuine and delightfully witty.

Additional cast members include Dionne Gipson as The Inventor, Lauren Jones as Kim, Annabelle Terry as Esmeralda, Ryan O’Connor as Helen, and Richard Carson as Jim. Supporting them are Candida Mosoma, Luke Cairns, and Grace Towning, who round out the ensemble and bring a wealth of stage experience to this high-energy production.

From the moment the lights come up, audiences can anticipate pop anthems woven into a story that celebrates inclusivity. If you’ve ever belted out Shake It Off, Bad Romance, or Ironic in the shower, you might just find yourself singing along in your seat.

CREATIVE TEAM AND THEIR VISION

SCISSORHANDZ: A MUSICAL REINVENTED is the brainchild of writer and director Bradley Bredeweg, who sets out to merge Tim Burton’s atmospheric storytelling with the flamboyance of a West End–style pop revue. Choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento has the job of transforming chart-topping hits into sequences that capture both the longing at the musical’s core and its comedic undertones. Meanwhile, Gregory Nabours handles musical direction, ensuring these iconic songs feel cohesive within the overarching narrative.

The show’s design also has a strong pedigree. James Pearse Connelly (set design) aims to conjure the whimsical yet slightly off-kilter world that Burton fans know and love, while Abby Clarke (costume design) pays homage to the film’s Gothic style by blending it with a vibrant, pop-infused aesthetic. Lighting designer Adam King and sound designer Yvonne Gilbert will orchestrate the show’s technical magic, transporting spectators from pastel suburbia to dreamlike fantasy realms in the blink of an eye (or the slash of a pair of scissors).

And in case you’re wondering who found this ultra-talented cast, that credit goes to Harry Blumenau Casting, whose role in unearthing the right personalities for such a bold reinterpretation can’t be understated.

THE ORIGINS OF AN OUTSIDER’S TALE

The original EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, which came out in 1990, quickly became a signature Tim Burton piece, introducing audiences to the partnership of Burton and actor Johnny Depp. Part Frankenstein and part fairy tale, the film told a moving story about an innocent figure grappling with suburban norms. By pairing that storyline with luminous pop hits, SCISSORHANDZ treads a fine line between homage and parody. But as fans and critics have noted, there’s real depth behind the glitter.

That depth comes from the universal theme of acceptance. Edward Scissorhands stood apart because of his unusual exterior, yet at heart, he was simply searching for connection. SCISSORHANDZ updates that quest for today’s audiences, who know all too well the sting of feeling like an outlier in a world often dictated by social media trends and snap judgments. In many ways, it’s the perfect subject matter for a pop musical: loud, proud, and unashamedly earnest about celebrating difference.

WHY LONDON, WHY NOW?

After its success in Los Angeles, a European premiere was the next logical step for SCISSORHANDZ. London’s theatre scene is known for embracing musical experiments, from big-budget spectacles to intimate, offbeat revues. Southwark Playhouse Elephant has become a staging ground for innovative productions that sometimes go on to capture mainstream attention.

The show’s opening also comes at a time when jukebox musicals are more popular than ever. Productions that repackage well-loved hits into new narratives—think MAMMA MIA! or & JULIET—consistently draw audiences looking for a feel-good night out. SCISSORHANDZ fits right into this landscape, offering a beloved story that many are familiar with, combined with the irresistible draw of songs they already love belting along to on the radio.

A UNIQUE FEATURE: THE CULT HIT FACTOR

One element that distinguishes SCISSORHANDZ from other jukebox musicals is the enduring cult status of EDWARD SCISSORHANDS itself. While some musicals revolve around iconic discographies or straightforward retellings of classic movies, it’s rarer to see a production spring from a surreal, gothic-inspired comedic drama. The original film drew fans from multiple corners of pop culture: horror aficionados, fantasy lovers, and hopeless romantics alike. This broad appeal suggests the new show might capture the hearts of a similarly eclectic audience.

Moreover, the concept of an “outsider” resonates strongly with fans of the film, many of whom discovered EDWARD SCISSORHANDS at a time when they felt most vulnerable. To then fuse that emotional resonance with the empowerment and joy found in pop anthems is a formula that could work beautifully—turning once-private singalongs into a communal, theatrical experience.

WHO’S BEHIND THE CURTAIN?

Another point of interest is the star-studded producing team. Lance Bass of *NSYNC fame and Michelle Visage, best known as a judge on RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, lend their name and industry clout to SCISSORHANDZ. Alongside Bradley Bredeweg, Kelley Parker, and Brian Pendleton, they’re responsible for bringing this pop-infused extravaganza to life. While one might initially raise an eyebrow at seeing an early 2000s boyband star and a drag-queen royalty figure in the credits, it all starts to make sense in the context of a show that prizes inclusivity, celebratory performance, and boundary-pushing collaboration.

WHAT THE BUZZ SAYS

Audiences in Los Angeles raved about the show’s “insane talent,” “camp flair,” and “electrifying energy.” If the cast and creative team can capture that same spark in London, SCISSORHANDZ could become one of the capital’s hottest tickets this season. Early reactions suggest that fans of pop musicals—and fans of Tim Burton’s quirkiness—will find plenty to love. The show also seems poised to draw in newcomers who might otherwise skip a more traditional theatre outing, thanks to the promise of a top-tier drag-infused vibe, comedic banter, and the nostalgic rush of hearing their favourite chart-toppers in a live setting.

As SCISSORHANDZ: A MUSICAL REINVENTED slices into the London theatre scene, it stands as a testament to just how versatile and wide-reaching musical theatre can be. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Tim Burton’s original, a pop music junkie, or simply someone looking for a fresh, vibrant show that doesn’t take itself too seriously—this production might just be for you.

In a world that often feels divided, SCISSORHANDZ invites audiences into a communal singalong about acceptance, love, and the beauty of carving your own path, literally and metaphorically. With the cast and creatives promising to “set London on fire,” it’s safe to say that this unconventional jukebox musical is poised to make the capital’s theatre circuit just a bit more daring—and a lot more fun. If you’re in search of a night out that delivers pop spectacle, heartfelt storytelling, and a dash of gothic whimsy, you might want to sharpen your scissors and snag a ticket before they all get snipped away. For more details and booking information, head to ScissorhandzTheMusical.com.