Emma Rice’s stage adaptation of Malory Towers from infamous story teller, Enid Blyton envelops everything about boarding schools which young readers who were not privileged to be a part of, were in awe of.
The six original Blyton novels depicted
twelve-year-old Darrell Rivers during her school years, relating friendships,
rivalries and the difficult business of growing up and this production showcases
life in a boarding school, from loneliness and friendships to bullying and
passionate loyalties.
This production, adapted and
directed by Emma Rice, is a co-production between the Emma Rice Company,
Alexandra Palace Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, HOME Manchester, and the Liverpool
Everyman & Playhouse.
Fundamentally, it presents the
story of new girl, Darrell Rivers (Robyn Sinclair), her friendship with Sally
Hope (Bethany Wooding), her encounters with timid Mary-Lou (Eden Barrie) and conflicts
with the dreadful Gwendoline Lacey (Anna Soden).
The eight member cast are all to
be commended; their vocal range and singing were superb and acting characterisation
was totally accomplished and believable. Plus, many of the cast are multi-talented
instrumentalists, moving effortlessly between acting, singing and playing
instruments. The upright piano, played on stage by Stephanie Hockley as Parisian
Irene Dupont, is a touch of genius as it immediately evoked memories of the school
assemblies and music lessons from yesteryear which added another touch of
nostalgia to the production.
Another surprise bonus is the
introduction of the puppetry which is novel and entertaining and which helped support
the transition of the story to excellent effect.
The plot, generally, is set at a pace that keeps younger
audience members absorbed as there were many in the audience thoroughly
enjoying the piece.
The production fulfils on every
level, it lovingly embraces the spirit of the original whilst is subtly
refreshing for modern audiences; for those seeking nostalgia it delivers it in
abundance, the jokes and humour landed brilliantly with all generations
attending, the introduction of the puppetry was novel and entertaining and the songs are interwoven naturally
throughout the show, this was helped enormously by having the musicians on
stage as part of the narrative. Ian Ross’s musical arrangements shine
particularly during the a cappella singing which is beautifully atmospheric. Musically,
the show weaves familiar songs into the framework of the story. Some 1950’s songs,
such as ‘Mr Sandman’, have been smartly updated, while original compositions
added to the emotion and narrative quality of the piece.
Set design (Lez Brotherston) is a
simple backdrop with screens opening up for some of the more imaginary scenes
with Simon Baker's video designs transforming into different locations with
superb animations. The video provided insertion of the only adult in the cast
in the form of a silhouette of the head teacher, voiced by Dame Sheila Hancock.
Rice has created a true family
show that will charm adults and children alike.
Cast Members & Roles
- Darrell Rivers: Robyn Sinclair
- Sally Hope: Bethany Wooding
- Alicia Johns: Molly Cheesley
- Gwendolyn Lacey: Anna Soden
- Bill Robinson: Zoe West
- Irene & Musician: Stephanie Hockley
- Mary Lou Atkinson: Eden Barrie
- Musician / Understudy: Emily Panes
Creative Team
- Adaptation and Direction: Emma Rice
- Producer: Sian Weeding
- Set and Costume Design: Lez Brotherston
- Composer: Ian Ross
- Sound and Video Design: Simon Baker
- Choreographer: Alistair David
Tickets available
from www.everymanplayhouse.com/event/malory-towers/
Reviewer: Anne
Horne
On: 19th
June 2026
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