Review: MALORY TOWERS, Alexandra Palace Theatre
Photo credit: Jake Haseldine
In this nostalgia-packed, fun-filled retelling of Malory Towers, we are taken back to 1947 for friendship dramas and cliff-top escapades, as Darrell and her friends navigate boarding school life in Devon.
This small cast deliver a wonderfully warm version of Blyton’s classic. Staying close to the original book, all of the themes ring true for school life today. Friendship is at the heart of the tale, with the cast sharing a natural rapport that perfectly captures the spirit and energy of the schoolgirls. Robyn Sinclair shines as the hot-headed Darrell, and Stephanie Hockley is outstanding as Irene Dupont, playing the piano throughout. Most of the girls play an instrument on stage, and with a small cast of eight, the audience feels drawn in. The only adult character shown is Miss Grayling, whose voice is provided by Dame Sheila Hancock. It is a smart addition, as her recognisable voice brings instant gravitas and reassurance to the role of the Headteacher.
Despite a small cast, the stage is always busy, and there is plenty to keep the younger audience engaged. The inventive projections help keep things on track, transporting us between classrooms, clifftops and bedrooms. In addition, a very smart puppet section impresses early on. The movement and choreography are very strong throughout, especially in a convincing swimming scene when the cast give the impression that they are bobbing along in the sea.
As can be expected of Blyton, there is some rather blunt messaging about being yourself, working as a team, and keeping tempers in check, but these are well aimed towards the target audience, and never seem trite. There are some weightier topics addressed too, such as the war and related PTSD, but these are treated with a light touch, and packed in between songs and humour, which means that the audience don’t need to delve too deep emotionally. Malory Towers really captures childhood and never takes itself too seriously, with lots of jokes, humour and intentional clichés.
The score has a gentle folk vibe, with violins and accordions. Some of the songs are used to push the narrative, whereas others are used to punctuate the show, with some stronger than others. ‘Sweet Rain Turns to Hail’ and the rather touching ‘Hush Now Sally’ are strongly delivered by the whole cast who are all impressive singers and musicians.
As they navigate friendship issues, differences, and build their new community, the girls of Malory Towers introduce Enid Blyton to a new generation, and take those already familiar with it right back to their own childhood. The 10-year-old sat next to this reviewer exclaimed that Malory Towers was “the best musical I have ever seen” as the bows were taken.
Malory Towers is a welcome trip down memory lane filled with heart, nostalgia and lashings of hope, reminding us of a world we could all do with a little bit more of.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Cara Brazier
Malory Towers plays at Alexandra Palace Theatre until 2 August, with further info here.
