Edward Scissorhands at Sadlers Wells

On 11th January, I went along with my family to Sadlers Wells in Islington, North London, to see Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of Edward Scissorhands. We went to the afternoon performance, which was the last show of the run. Dominic North was playing Edward and there was heightened tension in the air due to last show nerves and giving it their all before the tour began in Woking two weeks later. 

On arrival, my parents both had photos with the cardboard cut out that was displayed upon the entrance and as we took photos, more people followed to take photos. We then made our way to our seats to see the holographic name of the production on the stage, projected, for everyone to see. 

My Mum and Dad

Mum and Me!

The stage before the curtain arose!

The first act was an hour, and it flew by so quickly! The most obvious thing to point out firstly is that there is no talking in the production and feelings and thoughts are all displayed through dance. We quickly learn the plot line of the show. Edward dies and many crowd round his tombstone to mourn his death. Later, we then see a workshop where an inventor creates a doll. The doll is rather different to a normal childs toy. Edward has scissors for hands. With the fantasy of lightening, he comes alive and becomes a living person. He escapes out the window, and makes his way to a traditional classic town in America.

Matthew Bourne very much epitomises the classic things expected in an area where society compete with each other. The idea of ‘keeping up with the jones’ came to mind. Matthew shows that if one family member does something, then the next door neighbour equivalent would stride to get something better. Moreover, we see the secrecy in a town where we see there is an affair going on behind the scenes of ‘happy families’.

We go on a journey with Edward as we learn through his solo dance before the end of act one, that he is in love with Kim, a teenager of the family who takes in Edward. They try to fit him into society as normally as they can, aware that he has scissors for hands. They take advantage of this and he cuts hedges majestically to create animals out of grass, only to envy the surrounding neighbours. 

Throughout the show, I never once see a dancer falter and they appear strong equally with strong technique. We learn that Edward is only trying to fit into society. Out of all the shows Matthew has directed over the past few years, I believe Edward Scissorhands is by far my favourite.

The cast list of the day I saw the show.

After the show had ended, my sisters, parents and I went to Whitechapel for dinner. We had Nandos, whilst I celebrated my last evening with them for a while. It was a lovely day, in which I very much enjoyed myself.

My dad decided instantly what he would have.

Did you go to see anything over the Christmas or New Year period?

Kirsty

xxx

Family holiday to Egypt

So whilst most of you were probably sleeping on Christmas Day, I was on my way to the airport with my family and boyfriend to the airport where, we were flying out to Sharm El Sheikh. We started the morning at six am as we headed towards the Dartford Crossing to get to Gatwick. Whilst en route, we were listening to the radio and decided to call up as they were asking what we were doing whilst listening to the radio at this time. Later on, before meeting someone at the airport to take the car away, we popped open the bubbly!

Christmas Day drinkies with red cups!

Brandon had to get a different plane to us, as by the time he booked, the Monarch airlines flight was too expensive. His flight was delayed and so he got to Egypt a little later than us, but that did not ruin the fun week we were about to have!

The first few days we stayed just by the pool. We were relaxed, drinking cocktails and juices (making use of the all inclusive package we had!)

Brandon and I getting into the pool.

The pool at sunset. My room overlooked the pool and mountains!

The highlight of the holiday definitely was when we went quad biking in the desert. My whole family left at 2.30pm to get into the desert. We went out and then went for Bedouin Tea and carried on biking until the sun set. We did a family selfie with my dad's new selfie stick!

Sitting on the cushions at the Bedouin Tea.

In the desert with the squad!

On numerous evenings, we also made our way down to Naama Bay which had an impeccably good nightlife. It was always buzzing no matter what day we went and they even had Pacha nightclub! Something that caught my eye however, was the stars hanging in the bazaars. They were so magical  that I couldn't help take a photo!

So beautiful with lovely designs!

New Years Eve was quickly approaching and my sister and I were looking forward to the big evening. She bought headband and glasses to wear and we ready when the evening arrived. I wore my two piece, available from Boohoo (in the sale at christmas!) and we made our way to dinner!

New Years Eve!

Unfortunately, on New Years Day, it was our time to leave. We had a great week though and I would love to go back again. Definitely a place to go for the winter sun!

Day out in London!

Before Christmas, my boyfriend surprised me with a day out in London. I felt like a tourist as we got the train into Fenchurch Street and made our way to the first place of the day, Big Ben.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

We only stayed there for a brief period before moving on to Oxford Street. I love going into Oxford Street every Christmas. Firstly, the beautiful decoration hanging over you is something that can get anyone into the Christmas spirit. Secondly, the lovely shop windows that eagerly awaits the eye of customers coming by only enhances the buzz of Christmas in the winter air.!The themes that are decided on by the window dressers are so exquisitely done with the products of the individuals shop that I cannot help but take photos. The most exciting store, that I go to each year to see the winter designs is Selfridges! 

One of the window designs at Selfridges.

The busy nightlife of London, with the Christmas ball balls hanging outside Selfridges.

The big surprise Brandon had planned however was still yet to come. I may have had a sneaking feeling that we were going to Winter Wonderland, although there was still doubt in my mind! We lingered along from Bond Street and stopped at Wagamamas before heading to the station to catch the train to Hyde Park! 

When we arrived at the park, we were both really excited! It was busy, being only four days before Christmas. We went straight through as Brandon had booked tickets to the Magical Ice Kingdom. The entrance felt magical as people pushed through to feel the Christmas buzz inside the park. 

The entrance to Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London.

We queued for the Magical Ice Kingdom. Inside were these amazing sculptures made of complete ice and snow! I marvelled at how they were carved and how long it must have taken to make.

There was also a German market within the park selling jewellery, boutique gifts and food stores!

After our time in Winter Wonderland, there was one more place Brandon had arranged which took place in Canary Wharf! He had booked two tickets to go Ice Skating!

It was such a lovely day and I was absolutely exhausted when I got home!

What did you get up to over Christmas, did you have any days out or surprises, if so, where?

Kirsty xxx