Step into a world of nostalgia at Leeds Playhouse this week as Emma Rice brings her signature theatrical magic to Malory Towers – transforming Enid Blyton’s beloved novel into a joyful, inventive celebration of friendship, growing up and finding your place in the world.
From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear this isn’t simply a faithful retelling of a childhood favourite. Instead, Rice takes the familiar story and infuses imagination and playful spirit that have become hallmarks of her work, creating a production that appeals just as much to newcomers as it does to lifelong fans.
And the audience certainly reflected that. Older generations arrived eager to revisit a story that shaped their childhoods, whilst younger theatre-goers watched on wide-eyed, many experiencing the magic of live theatre for the very first time.
Transporting us back to 1947, in the years following the Second World War, the story follows Darrell Rivers as she arrives at Malory Towers boarding school for her first term. There she encounters a colourful cast of classmates, forging friendships, navigating rivalries and learning valuable lessons along the way. While this setting may belong to another era, the themes remain remarkably timeless and offer a stark contrast to today’s world.
Much of the show’s charm comes from its wonderfully whimsical staging. Lez Brotherston’s imaginative set and costume design provides the perfect canvas for Rice’s boundless creativity, with sliding doors, projections, puppetry and inventive theatrical tricks ensuring there’s always something new to delight the audience. Add in a special voiceover appearance from Dame Sheila Hancock, and the production never loses momentum, moving at a brisk pace throughout.
This is supported by music interwoven seamlessly, becoming as much of a character as the pupils themselves. Musical director Stephanie Hockley, returning after previous collaborations with Emma Rice including Blue Beard and the original 2019 tour of Malory Towers, takes to the stage as Irene Dupont. Alongside Emily Panes and Zoë West, she helps create a rich musical backdrop that effortlessly carries the story forward.
Familiar tunes including ‘Mr Sandman’ and ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ further enhance the nostalgic atmosphere, as well as new offerings and arrangements by Nigel Lilley and Ian Ross.
At the heart of the production is an engaging ensemble of youth who bring Blyton’s characters vividly to life. Robyn Sinclair gives a spirited performance as the hot-headed yet fiercely loyal Darrell Rivers, capturing both her determination and vulnerability. Eden Barrie’s Mary-Lou Atkinson is immediately endearing, her gentle nature and charming Scottish accent making her impossible not to root for.
Bethany Wooding’s Sally Hope is another standout, expertly embodying the often-overlooked challenge of trying to hold together a group of wildly different personalities. Her performance blossoms throughout the second act, as well as Molly Cheesley’s who delivers a compelling turn as Alicia Johns, balancing confidence and bravado with the emotional cracks that begin to show.
For York audiences, however, there was an extra reason to celebrate. York Theatre Royal pantomime favourite Anna Soden stepped into the role of Gwendoline Lacey at short notice and delivered a superb performance as the spoiled, entitled and wonderfully exasperating schoolgirl. Soden never missed a beat, making the role entirely her own despite having limited time to prepare.
What I particularly admired about this production was its refusal to take itself too seriously. While it remains faithful to the heart of Blyton’s story, Rice allows plenty of room for silliness and play. The cast leap, prance and tumble around the stage with infectious energy, perfectly capturing the freedom and chaos of childhood. Yet beneath the fun lie meaningful messages about friendship, acceptance, and resilience, which emerge naturally without ever feeling overly sentimental or heavy-handed.
In a world where many classic stories are endlessly reinvented, Malory Towers succeeds because it honours the original while bringing something fresh and contemporary to the stage. It’s charming, inventive and packed with heart.
Whether you’re revisiting a cherished childhood favourite or discovering Malory Towers for the very first time, this is a lesson well worth attending.
Malory Towers is at Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 30 May. Tickets start from £16.50 and are available here.
