Acclaimed director Emma Rice has officially announced the London premiere of her joyful stage adaptation of Enid Blyton’s nostalgic literary classic, Malory Towers. The production will play a strictly limited engagement at the historic Alexandra Palace Theatre from Wednesday, July 22 through Sunday, August 2, 2026, with an official press night scheduled for Thursday, July 23.
Co-produced by the Emma Rice Company alongside the Alexandra Palace Theatre, the show is described as the original "Girl Power" story. Packed with high jinks, high drama, and high spirits, the theatrical adaptation brings Blyton’s timeless boarding school world up to date with music, animation, and live performance. The narrative follows Darrell Rivers, an eager young student with a fierce heart and a quick temper, as she navigates the trials of boarding school, clashes with the infuriating Gwendoline Lacey, and braves a raging storm to rescue a classmate.
The vibrant "Class of 2026" cast features a talented ensemble including Robyn Sinclair as Darrell Rivers, Rebecca Collingwood as Gwendolyn Lacey, Bethany Wooding as Sally Hope, and Eden Barrie as Mary Lou Atkinson. The production benefits from an elite creative team, including set and costume design by Lez Brotherston, a vibrant original score by composer Ian Ross, and choreography by Alistair David.
Director Emma Rice expressed her enduring passion for the project, noting that the staging serves as a direct tribute to the magnificent wartime generations. She emphasized that the play's core message—championing strong women that the world can lean on—is something global audiences need now more than ever during divided times.
The multi-venue co-production also features collaboration from the Belgrade Theatre, HOME Manchester, and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. To ensure the theatrical run remains accessible to all patrons, the scheduling includes a dedicated audio-described performance on July 23 and a captioned performance on Tuesday, July 28. Advanced public tickets are available now through the official Alexandra Palace website, with prices ranging from £15.00 to £50.00.
