IT has been nine years since I last saw Edward Scissorhands on stage.
Its ongoing magic spell abounds more than ever with this latest slick and sparkling UK revival.
An idea emerged 33 years ago from a creative collaboration between director Tim Burton and screenwriter Carolyn Thompson and later the music of movie craftsman Danny Elfman.
A 1990 release starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder struck a chord.
It remains a modern classic.
Add to that dream team - the much-loved and multi-award winning interpreter of joyous stories, Matthew Bourne.
In the programme notes Sir Matthew proudly reveals that his New Adventures is the 'only company in the world that performs Edward Scissorhands as a theatrical special.'
It is indeed spectacular - truly all encompassing with 34 wonderful dancers.
There is new music and arrangements by Terry Davies based on Danny's original themes.
And Designer Lez Brotherston's sets are - as always - quite stunning.
Original and so easy on the eye.
Matthew's inspirational ballet works on every level and it appeals to all ages as the sold out audience on opening night illustrated.
It is possible to laugh along at the satire of 1950 suburban America and the Hope Springs community - reminiscent of The Monkees song Pleasant Valley Sunday.
Everything is neat and tidy on the surface from the joggers to cheerleaders, barbecues to Christmas light switch-ons.
But behind the facade all is not what it seems.
We meet the families and their varied lifestyles. From the religious to the aggressive.
Matthew, deviser, director and choreographer has now added a single sex couple.
This tale focuses on Edward (a superb expressive Liam Mower).
A gentle, spiky-haired Goth-looking lad with scissors for hands who doesn't fit in.
A young Frankenstein of sorts but far more charming.
He is like everyone else - and yet more endearing and vulnerable.
Edward becomes a celebrity hairdresser and a topiarist - making some residents green with envy.
It is jealousy that turns people against him and ironically the knives are out.
When he was up against it there was a touch of the dashing Errol Flynn about our leading man.
One member of the Liverpool audience behind me said excitedly 'Go Ed, Ed.'
There is much humour and whimsicality in Matthew's work.
It's always a safe and warm place to escape from reality in any of his productions.
There is lovely chemistry throughout from Edward's love interest Kim Boggs played by the outstanding Katrina Lyndon.
And there is some sexy fun from Ashley Shaw as flirty Joyce Monroe.
Two scenes in particular are beautiful.
One where Edward creates an angel ice sculpture creating snowfall. Hope Springs had never seen snow before Edward romantically snipped away.
And another sequence has the 'what if' factor . . . Edward dancing with human hands.
This is a truly memorable return to the stage for Edward in the embracing Scissorhands of Matthew and his inimitable New Adventures Company.
Verdict: Five stars - cutting edge enchantment
The production is on until Saturday
Tickets from Atgtickets.com/liverpool
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