Emma Rice on Malory Towers: ‘I wanted it to feel like a box fresh new uniform’ – interview
The director returns to her hit Enid Blyton adaptation for a new UK tour, bringing music, hope and postwar coming-of-age stories back to the stage
Emma Rice returns to Malory Towers, her stage adaptation of Enid Blyton’s boarding school novels, which is now back on a UK tour in 2026 following its original run in 2019. First opening in Bath before touring nationally, the production revisits Blyton’s postwar world of friendship, ambition and resilience, reworked with live music, movement, animation and ensemble performance. Rice discusses why the story still resonates, how the show has evolved, and why audiences today may need it more than ever.
What inspired you to adapt Malory Towers for the stage?
These books make me joyfully tumble back through history. I tumble through memories of my own scary comprehensive, to stories of my Mum’s Dorset grammar school and then to my Gran who was an untrained teacher in the war. All of these stories have one thing in common – growing up. And Malory Towers, in my opinion, is the best of all growing up stories. Funny, sharply well observed and fantastically moreish, these books are a pure delight.
However, beyond the adventures and clifftop thrills, I wanted to capture that time, just after the second world war. A time where people were bruised and damaged but resolute about creating a better future – a future without cruelty, violence and hatred. Within these deceptively simple books, all these themes are gently explored. The challenge that Enid Blyton sets for us in these gorgeous books stands the test of time as she asks us to be ‘women that the world can lean on’. If you haven’t already gathered, I love them
You initially took Malory Towers on tour in 2019 – how does it feel to be returning to this piece and why bring it back now?
Oh! I am thrilled to be returning to Malory Towers. There is something exciting about a new class and a new term. We have done some fantastic new work on the design so it will feel like a box fresh new uniform.
Why now? I think we are all ready for some hope and some fun and this will feel like spring has finally come. In these difficult and uncertain political times, this is exactly what we all need – a good time underpinned by kind and inclusive values.
Enid Blyton’s work is beloved by generations – did it feel daunting to adapt?
How could I be daunted by something I feel such an affinity to? I feel I know these girls and have relished bringing them to theatrical life. Girls are much the same now as they were in 1945. I don’t think being scared helps anybody do anything, so I try hard in my working life to work instinctively, respectfully and joyfully.
How does music shape the production?
This production has the most virtuosic score and soundtrack. My cast are all exceptional singers and the close harmony songs will knock your socks off. We have gorgeous tunes from the time, mixed with newly composed songs by Ian Ross, my long term collaborator. The result is soaring, impressive and moving.
All this as well as specially created animation and soundscape by Simon Baker and artist Beth Carter. I wanted this show to feel astonishing, just like young women are to me – and it really is.
How closely do you stick to Blyton’s original stories?
I haven’t deviated too much from the books. The characters are all very true to Enid Blyton, as is the setting and message. Yes, I wove together the best bits from all the books and swapped the pantomime for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but this is absolutely the Malory Towers you all know and love.
What does it mean to work with returning collaborators?
This cast is my idea of theatre heaven. Several from my original beloved cast are returning, I have a few new exciting actors to work with, and two have come through the Emma Rice Company Training Programme. It’s genuinely exciting as they are all so, so talented. We all just want to get going.
Is this a show for families?
Absolutely. This is a world that all the family can and should enjoy. The themes of friendship, compassion and hope resonate across gender, time, class and culture.
It’s a cracking yarn, yes, but this deceptively simple subject matter really does give us all a chance to reflect – about growing up, about war, empathy and about our own part in history. In a time when lots of us can feel hopeless and powerless, especially the young, this magic show gives us back a sense of community, agency and shared responsibility.
Why should audiences see it?
Because it is pure entertainment and pure joy. It has everything – music, puppetry, film… and a clifftop rescue. It really is for everybody and gives us all the lift we need in these dark times. Shake off the winter and dive into this cool and sparkling production.
The tour arrives at Richmond Theatre, running Tue 30 June – Sat 4 July 2026. For full listings and tickets, visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/malory-towers/richmond-theatre/
