I don’t remember my first day at senior school being this jovial but then this is Enid Blyton. The new students head for Malory Towers boarding school; animated and (mostly) full of optimism and enthusiasm. They are keen to learn and eager to make friends. Talented writer and director Emma Rice has taken the fundamental components from Blyton’s Malory Towers stories, blended them with some great music and created this new adaptation as a summer treat for the audiences at Brunel’s old railway station. The 19th century building lends atmosphere to the production as you approach the theatre, which is constructed within the gigantic Passenger Shed that normally hosts conferences and exhibitions. You can just imagine the towers of the boarding school as you gaze up at those of the majestic Old Station. The styling and projections in the entrance foyer add to the sense of nostalgia.
On stage the set makes use of vintage style chairs, beds and trunks to create the ambiance of a post-World War II scholarly institution. Clever projections fill in the details and backgrounds during the show, creating the environment for the actors to shine. The troupe bring plenty of vigour and each player fashions their own character within the show, like a bunch of Spice Girls inspired youngsters transported back to the 40s. Izuka Hoyle plays the central character with zest: hot-headed Darrell Rivers; she is “too rough… too wild!”. Rebecca Collingwood, who has a splendid singing voice, is self-absorbed and spiteful as Gwendoline Lacey. Gwen picks on the timid Mary Lou, played by Rose Shalloo; unsteady and cowering; like a young Olive, from On the Buses. Francesca Mills sparkles as Sally Hope, full of vigour, an eye catching performance. Renee Lamb is wise-cracking Alicia and Vinnie Heaven pops in as Bill to add some contrast. Vinnie also performs some of the first-rate live music with marvellous pianist Stephanie Hockley. They are complemented by harpist Mirabelle Gremaud, who also plays lithe, quiet and refined Irene.
There is injustice, adventure and redemption as the characters veer from one emotional extreme to another; attempting to discover their strengths, recognise their weaknesses and learn life’s lessons. Malory Towers encourages them to become “Good sound women, that the world can lean on”; success is measured by personality rather than academic ability. It might be churlish to ask for a bit more complexity from an Enid Blyton story but in amongst the escapades and friendships, songs and skits, we were missing something edgy. The show dwells a little too long on the moralising themes; although there is a sprinkling of a modern feminism, amusingly delivered. The acting is spirited; the songs are impressive and in abundance; rousing and sensitive in turns. This striking show is lashings of fun and sure to be popular during the school holidays. ★★★☆☆ Adrian Mantle 26th July 2019
