Scissorhandz: A cut above the rest

“This story always felt like it came from a world I belonged in. It’s beautiful, emotional, and now with this queer lens, it’s more personal than ever.”

Hold onto your hats, y’all! Scissorhandz: The Musical, the campy, queer reimagining of Tim Burton’s cult classic, is slicing its way into the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, and Loverboy had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the dazzling cast and creatives behind this electrifying production at iconic LGBTQ venue, The RVT, ahead of its London run. From tear-jerking tunes to scissor-handed antics, here’s all you need to know before snagging those tickets.

Set in Burtonville, the story follows the journey of Edward, a non-binary character who falls for a queer woman called Kim, and is a story of acceptance, tragedy and love. Jordan Kai Burnett (Magic Mike Live Las Vegas, Romy & Michele the Musical, Seattle) reprises their role as Edward, and has played them since the show’s debut in 2018.

After a wildly successful, sold-out run in Hollywood, where it captivated audiences and earned rave reviews, Jordan is ready to take London by storm.

“I’m the OG Edward,” Jordan laughs. “I haven’t even called in an understudy yet! It’s been an incredible journey, and it’s such a joy to keep bringing this story to life.”

When asked why the role resonated so deeply with them, Jordan’s passion shone through, with them drawing on their own experience as a queer non-binary person. “This story always felt like it came from a world I belonged in. It’s beautiful, emotional, and now with this queer lens, it’s more personal than ever.”

Jordan, who is no stranger to the stage, worked with creator Bradley Bredeweg ten years ago on ‘Invincible’, a project that was a Romeo and Juliet retelling to the music of Pat Benatar. Benatar coincidentally wrote an original track for the Scissorhandz musical, alongside Neil Geraldo, ‘Beautiful Weirdos’. The song, a duet with Emma Williams, (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mrs Henderson Presents, Half A Sixpence, Love Story), who plays the role or Peg, is a standout moment.

On the character of Peg, the loving mother figure who first notices Scissorhandz isolation, Emma says, “She decides to bring them down and welcome them to Burtonville and hopefully give them a great new life, and then realizes the absolute mistake she’s made.”

“She starts out trying to fill everyone else’s cup, but along the way, Scissorhandz teaches her to fill her own. This is the most inclusive show I’ve ever been a part of. Whether it’s from the casting side of things, the creative side, and just the fact that it is literally for everybody.”

Photos from smash hit season at The Bourbon Rooms, Los Angeles

Peg’s journey also offers a touching message for audiences about acceptance. Many people in the queer community struggle with their family relationships and their recognition of them and their identities, and the role handles these complexities with humanity and vulnerability.

Bradley Bredeweg, writer and director, (The Fosters, Good Trouble, The Last Breakfast Club) told us, “that’s been one of the greatest joys of putting on this show is the audiences beyond our community that the show has been able to reach and give them a better understanding of that journey.”

Sharing how his love for the original film inspired this fabulous reimagining he continued, “As a young gay kid in the 80s, Edward’s story of being ostracized for being different really spoke to me. Its an honor for us to take that film, that meant so much to so many of us at that time, and really bring it into the 21st century, modernize it and make it as campy and gay as frickin’ possible!”

Retelling a well known story as a musical through a queer lens means you know that the soundtrack is going to be epic. From Lady Gaga to Florence + The Machine, Scissorhandz: The Musical boasts an impressive playlist of favourites. “The finale is my favorite,” Jordan revealed. “It’s spooky, exciting, and ties all the emotional threads together perfectly.”

Bradley also dished on working with legendary Hollywood designers and actors who contributed to the original movie on the retelling. “It’s all come full circle. The community involved in the film has been incredibly supportive, and it’s been amazing to honor the legacy while adding our spin.”

With its inclusive casting, jaw-dropping design, and anthemic songs, Scissorhandz: The Musical is a must-see for all audiences—queer and beyond and is truly a shear delight.

Check out our roving reporter, Miss Taylor Trash asking all the important questions.