Malory Towers returns to UK theatres: Emma Rice Company revive hit Enid Blyton adaptation

Emma Rice Company’s stage version of Malory Towers is back on tour in 2026, bringing live music, schoolgirl drama and Cornish cliff-top adventures to Richmond Theatre and venues nationwide

It’s back by popular demand: Emma Rice Company’s acclaimed stage adaptation of Malory Towers returns to UK theatres in 2026 following its original sell-out success. Based on Enid Blyton’s much-loved school stories, the production blends live music, movement, comedy and theatrical storytelling in a nostalgic coming-of-age tale that has been described as “magic” and praised for its “Girl Power” spirit (The Times).

The tour arrives at Richmond Theatre, running Tue 30 June – Sat 4 July 2026. At the centre of the story is Darrell Rivers, arriving at Malory Towers with ambition, excitement and a volatile temper. As she navigates friendships, rivalries and responsibility, she is forced to confront her own flaws while learning what loyalty, courage and compassion really mean. Along the way, she must deal with the infuriating Gwendoline Lacey, the kind-hearted Sally Hope, a school play in crisis, and even a rescue in the middle of a raging storm.

Malory Towers has become known for its exuberant staging and live musical energy, with a score featuring original music by Ian Ross alongside songs drawn from the era. The production also incorporates set and costume design by Lez Brotherston, sound and video by Simon Baker, lighting by Malcolm Rippeth, and movement direction by Alistair David.

Described as “nostalgic, naughty, and perfect for now”, the show reimagines Blyton’s post-war school world as a story about resilience, imagination and the messy intensity of growing up. It is aimed at children and adults alike — “girls, boys and all grown-up children who still dream of midnight feasts and Cornish clifftops”.

The production is adapted and directed by Emma Rice, with associate direction by Laura Keefe, and is co-produced by Emma Rice Company, Alexandra Palace Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

Creative team

From the novels by Enid Blyton
Adapted and directed by Emma Rice
Associate Director Laura Keefe
Music Ian Ross
Set and Costume Lez Brotherston
Sound and Video Simon Baker
Lighting Malcolm Rippeth
Movement and Choreography Alistair David

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