SITTING in the audience at Wales Millennium Centre waiting for the curtain to go up on Edward Scissorhands I didn't know what to expect.

I knew of Tim Burton's famous film starring Johnny Depp who played the main character but this production by New Adventures is something else.

Told purely through the medium of dance the tale of the boy who just wants to be loved by a society who is in turn enthralled by him, then turn their back on him, is one of pure magic.

Directed and choreographed by award winning Matthew Bourne, Edwards Scissorhands was brought to life by the fantastic Liam Mower.

From the moment he stepped on stage to the minute he took his final bow you could not take your eyes off him.

The stilted walk, the amazing dancing, with what could be the hindrance of scissor hands but never was, and the tragi-comic faces all added up to a stunning performance.

The simple but effective sets and all the costume designers also deserve a mention because combined we were transported to the small town atmosphere of a 1950s era.

The 'bully boy', Jim Upton, played by Tom Clark, was also superb as was the joint love interest of his character and Edward Scissorhands', the beautiful Kim Boggs played by Ashley Shaw.

Many of the performers take on dual roles which must be difficult but is made to look easy and keeps the audience entertained and enthralled from start to finish.

The musical score is just fantastic as scene after scene is played out before us.

The audience of all ages cheered and clapped till our arms ached to show our appreciation of such a great show and the cast were called back for several well deserved encores.

The show runs until Saturday, March 14 - you would be missing out on a magical experience if you fail to see it.

Review by GINA ROBERTSON