Edward Scissorhands follows the story of a young man (played on film by Johnny Depp) created by an inventor who dies before finishing his work — leaving the man with scissors instead of hands. When a determined Avon lady (Dianne Wiest on film) discovers him in his castle, she attempts to bring him into her home. Before long, the community becomes involved and Edward's hands become more trouble than they are cut out for. Vincent Price, Winona Ryder, Kathy Baker, Anthony Michael Hall and Alan Arkin also starred in the movie.

The stage Edward Scissorhands stars Bourne vets Richard Winsor and Sam Archer, who will alternate in the title role. Regular Bourne collaborators Scott Ambler and Etta Murfitt will serve as associate directors and co-star. Terry Davies, who worked with Bourne on Play Without Words and The Car Man, composes music adapted from Danny Elfman's haunting film score to the Caroline Thompson screenplay.

The design team will include Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Howard Harrison (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound).