The British Theatre Guide: News for 26th June, 2005

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Dateline: 26th June, 2005

Bourne Brings Scissorhands to the Stage
Matthew Bourne's latest project, a dance version of Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands, will be at Sadler's Wells over Christmas. With design by Lez Brotherson and original music will be composed by Terry Davies who will also adapt musical themes from the motion picture composed by Danny Elfman, the production runs from 30th November (previews from 22nd) to 5th February, 2006.

The production will premiere at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from 14th to 19th November and, after its run at Sadler's Wells, will set off on a national tour.

Edward Scissorhands is the touching and witty gothic fairytale of a boy created by an eccentric inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward must find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well-meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within.

Before then his version of La Sylphide, Highland Fling, returns to the Wells for one week, from 26th August to 3rd September and Swan Lake will be touring to Woking, Bradford, Glasgow, Stoke, Salford, Milton Keynes and Wimbledon between September and November.

WNO Causing Millennium Centre Problems
Welsh National Opera's use of the main auditorium for rehearsals is causing financial problems for Cardiff's Wales Millennium Centre, says the centre's chief executive Judith Isherwood in her six month financial report to the Welsh Assembly. WNO performances had 97% houses, she said, but the WMC needs 70% houses for 270 productions to reach its financial targets. A statement from WNO said that the company was now using the main house for rehearsals for less time than allowed by the contract and expected to be able to reduce that time even further when they get to know the building better.

In order to help the financial situation, WMC officials have asked the opera company to put on extra performances and one has been scheduled for the autumn season, with more to follow if it proves successful.

Planer Debut Play West End Transfer
Nigel Planer's first play, On the Ceiling, is to transfer to the Garrick on 12th September (previews from 30 August). It is expected that the original cast, including Ron Cook and Ralf Little, will appear.

The play, about the painting of the Sistime Chapel, premiered at Birmingham Rep in May.

Extending
West End shows announcing booking extensions this week are:

Joseph (New London) until 3rd September
The Postman Always Rings Twice (Playhouse) until 13th August

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