Magpie Dance performers rehearse their Edward Scissorhand play

Dancers who have learning disabilities are staging a unique adaptation of the Hollywood smash hit film Edward Scissorhands.

Edward Scissorhands

More than 20 disabled thespians from Bromley-based Magpie Dance will perform The Ed Effect from 7.30pm on Friday July 13 at The Churchill Theatre in High Street, Bromley.

Matthew Bourne, who founded dance company Re-Bourne, has created an adaptation of the classic Tim Burton fairytale starring Johnny Depp.

Magpie Dance members are performing this version which explores exclusion in the community.

Organisers describe it as “dark, comedic, edgy and heart-warming”.

Helen Prosser, Re:Bourne’s general manager said: “Our artists have helped Magpie to make the story of Edward Scissorhands their own.”

Magpie Dance, launched in 1996 by Avril Hitman, runs three groups for adults and youths with disabilities from Bromley and holds weekly rehearsals at the Harris Academy in Lennard Road, Beckenham, and Bromley United Reform Church in High Road, Bromley.

Re-Bourne artists started work with the disability performers at Easter and have recorded the progress in a blog.

Mrs Hitman, Magpie Dance founder, said: “It has been inspiring to watch ‘The Ed Effect’ unravel and a wonderful experience for our dancers.”

Magpie Dance is also staging The Ed Effect outdoors at the Big Dance Festival in Crystal Palace Park from 5.30pm on Sunday July 22.

The project has been supported by Arts Council England, Big Dance, BBC Performing Arts Fund, and Bromley Lifelong Learning.

For more information visit http://magpiedancerebournebigdance.blogspot.co.uk.