Malory Towers At Alexandra Palace Theatre Review

Malory Towers had its London premiere this week at Alexandra Palace Theatre. Based on Enid Blyton’s much‑loved series of boarding school novels written between 1946 and 1951, it has been adapted by Emma Rice, who also directs. Darrell Rivers begins her first term with an eager mind and fierce heart, though her quick temper threatens to get the better of her. Can she learn to tolerate the infuriating Gwendoline Lacey, appreciate the kind‑hearted Sally Hope, save the school play, and rescue Mary Lou from the grip of a raging storm? It’s a classic girl‑power story.

The cast brings Rice’s “fresh, fierce and joyful” class of 2026 to life. While the characters can come across as one‑dimensional and archetypal at times, the performers are energetic and sincere. Although I’ve never read the books, I was told the characters now reflect more diversity. Robyn Sinclair is an engaging Darrell; Molly Cheesley is funny as Alicia; Eden Barrie plays the violin while charting Mary Lou’s growing confidence with warmth; Rebecca Collingwood gives Gwendoline all the sharp edges of a classic bully; Zoe West, as Bill, brings a lively presence and plays the drums; and Bethany Wooding’s Sally has the loyalty that generations of readers will recognise. There’s even a short quiz in the programme to determine which character you are; unsurprisingly, I got Sally, the sensible, loyal planner.

The musicians stay on stage throughout, integrated into the school ensemble, which works beautifully. Ian Ross’s musical arrangements are at their best in the a cappella moments, and numbers like “Thunder” and “Fairy Queen”. A standout is Stephanie Hockley, who simultaneously performs the role of musical director, plays piano, and sustains a French accent as Irene. One moment where Irene shouts that she’s playing the piano when asked to help drew genuine laughs.

The production mostly keeps its 1940s period setting, but it’s framed by the present day, with the pupils appearing briefly in contemporary dress before we’re transported into Blyton’s world. Lez Brotherston’s set and costumes capture the boarding‑school aesthetic: maroon blazers, knee‑high socks and straw boater hats. There’s good use of video projections and animation, which move us through scenes with charm—the train journey from Paddington to Cornwall, the storm, and the horse Thunder galloping. Puppetry is used cleverly a couple of times to much laughter, and it would have been good to see more. The absence of adult characters keeps the focus firmly on the girls, though Dame Sheila Hancock voices a silhouette of Ms Grayling.

Aimed at children and families, the show offers a simple story and obvious jokes, so at times it can feel predictable from an adult perspective. But its message—to be kind and compassionate human beings who appreciate each other’s strengths and come together to solve problems—is timeless. Its exploration of bullying feels especially relevant, and it’s good to see the show acknowledge it as a real issue and make clear that it isn’t acceptable. As the Malory Towers hymn says, “we’ll be sensible, sound and strong, ready to be valued, loved and trusted, women that the world can lean on”—words that feel just as relevant today.

My experience, however, was dampened by inconsiderate audience behaviour. To my left, a daughter repeatedly asked her mum what jokes meant, and at one point the mum even asked if they should leave. I found myself hoping they would. The mum also had her phone out several times. Behind me, another woman and her daughter talked throughout, and in a different section someone’s bright phone screen kept catching my eye. This wasn’t all children and families—the seven‑year‑old to my right was perfectly still and engaged, excited to be there with her dad and proud to have read the books. And I do genuinely love that this is a show that brings young kids into the theatre; I believe every child should have the opportunity to experience live performance. It was simply unfortunate that several adults made it difficult to stay immersed.