Celebrity choreographer Matthew Bourne presents a beautifully-wrapped early festive treat with his poignant and inspired adaptation of a gothic fairytale.

His lively young New Adventures company has created a witty , tender and fast-paced piece of dance theatre based on the classic Tim Burton film.

It tells the tale of a gentle boy created by an inventor who dies leaving him unfinished with only scissors for hands and struggling to find his place in society.

Click here to see video footage from the show. 

There’s a cartoon-like quality to the larger-than-life characters and an imaginative blend of street dance, ballet ,mime and musical gives it a wide audience appeal .

The costume and sets are stunning with many memorable moments including a scene featuring dancing topiary and another centred on a barbecue party where the attention to detail transports us right to the heart of 50s small-town America.

As theatres compete for a new generation to help fill seats, this is just the sort of show to do the trick, judging from the many young adults in last night’s audicne.

It’s a charming evening of family entertainment – with even a snow shower to complete the magic.

By Eileen Wells.