“A charming, uplifting return to Malory Towers.”
Malory Towers, playing at the Playhouse Theatre Liverpool, is a wonderfully uplifting and charming production that brings the world of Enid Blyton’s classic boarding school world to life with a modern twist that offers a fresh take, without losing its nostalgia. It was full of personality, heart, humour and a surprising amount of emotional depth. The show is a great watch for any long-time fans of the books, as well as newcomers to the story, who simply enjoy the magic of live theatre.
The opening of the play is a clever and refreshing twist, adding a touch of modernity to a much‑loved classic and instantly making it relatable for a 21st‑century audience. Beginning in a contemporary 2026 high school, we’re invited to notice the parallels between today’s students and the familiar archetypes found in Blyton’s world. When the story shifts back to 1947, those same personalities reappear in the form of the Malory Towers girls, creating a playful sense of continuity across generations. By the time we return to the present day at the end, the production feels both dreamlike and grounded, which adds a gentle jolt back to reality that reinforces the timelessness of its themes. This adds real depth to the show, bridging past and present in a way that speaks to audiences of all ages. It highlights how the messages at the heart of Malory Towers are just as relevant now as they were then.
The small cast are the heart of this production. Each individual brought a distinct personality to their character, capturing the spirit of the Malory Towers girls. Their chemistry is fantastic and every scene is full of energy and enthusiasm for bringing the characters to life. They used the space well, having characters come from the audience as well as on stage added that extra magic, making audience members feel involved in the show itself. The musical numbers and their chorography are very enjoyable and help keep the pace throughout. The songs are catchy and the harmonies are outstanding. It’s the work of true professionals to get such beautiful harmonies such as these, and it really shows how well trained and disciplined the cast are, to not go off key and create such beautiful music, both with backing instruments, and acapella. Every cast member plays an instrument at some point throughout the show, just showing the array of talent on display. Even the characters accents are kept throughout the scenes. Its true mastery of their craft.
The staging is another thing that is done well. Whilst there is not much space or set, the way it is used during the performances really is innovative, it also adds to the humour of the show. It was easy to slip between, bedroom, classroom and even cliffside, without much use of scenery changes. Just some effective lighting, sound and visuals, added in with precise choreography to move beds and desks in and out smoothly. The design feels playful and matches the world of Enid Blyton, without it being too childish. It all adds a sense of movement and fun to the show.
Whilst the production is hugely enjoyable, there were a few moments where the pacing dipped or where some movements didn’t make as much sense, including where characters would count into a musical number. The counting seemed odd for the scenes and seemed out of place. It didn’t detract from the quality of the show, however, it just changed the flow a bit. Even so, the overall experience was engaging, and the cast’s energy kept the audience intrigued.
What stands out most is the show’s heart. Beneath the humour and high spirits, Malory Towers explores themes of friendship, growing up, teamwork, and learning to understand others. They are all delivered in a subtle yet sincere way. The themes are what we can still use and explore in today’s world, showing that these key areas can travel through history, yet remain the same in principle. It’s a feel-good production for all ages, that leaves you smiling and reminds you why these stories have been enjoyed for generations.
Overall, Malory Towers is a vibrant, funny and thoughtful show, that brings charm and nostalgia to all. A great night out for families. Friends, theatre lovers and anyone who enjoys a story with plenty of spirit. Malory Towers plays at Liverpool Playhouse until 20th June. Tickets are available here.