Interview with Molly Cheesley, Malory Towers UK Tour
The beloved 2019 production of Malory Towers hits the road again this year in a new UK tour through spring and summer 2026. Hailed by The Times as a production which “revels in the power and potential of young women, and that makes you want to cheer”, the stage adaptation of the beloved book by Enid Blyton is brought to the stage by the Emma Rice Company. To find out more about this upcoming tour, we were joined by Molly Cheesley, who plays Alicia Johns, to find out more.
You’re starring in the upcoming UK tour of Malory Towers with the Emma Rice Company – what was your familiarity with these stories before joining the production?
I had read these books as a child and studied Emma Rice’s work at school.
What initially attracted you to the role of Alicia Johns, and what were your first impressions of her as a character?
Alicia is just so fun. She’s a fab character, they are all just so well written and adapted. My first impression of her was that she’s the class clown, she’s there to keep morale going and not take herself too seriously. We then find out that actually there’s a lot more to her. She’s also got some cracking vocal moments which I’m loving.
How would you describe Alicia in three words?
We actually did this in the rehearsal room! Distracting, performer, endearing
Malory Towers is a much-loved classic with many stories – how has this production approached the storyline, and what can audiences expect?
Audiences can expect an innocent story of simple friendship and the power of kindness and forgiveness, with a bit of sparkle and punch.
How does this production balance nostalgia for fans of Malory Towers with making it fresh for new audiences?
The show is still set in the same time period as Enid Blyton wrote, and in my opinion, the themes are still so fitting to the current day. The character of Bill is accepted with such ease and respect from the girls, and there’s an overwhelming simple-ness to the acceptance of others.
Do you relate to Alicia in any way, and how has that influenced your approach to developing her as a character?
Ohhhhh yes! Alicia covers everything up with a joke and smile, she’s very quick witted which is sometimes to her detriment as she struggles academically. She struggles to be vulnerable which I can relate to.
How does the dynamic between the schoolgirls shape the energy of the production?
The characters all bring something to this (sometimes unlikely) group of friends. They love each other, care for one another, and hold each other accountable. The pace is constantly changing.
What creative elements in this production help bring the world of Malory Towers to life on stage?
This company is full of super talented musicians. Emma Rice is an absolute creative genius and works with our composer Ian Ross to create the most magical show. Our tech team create the most exciting atmosphere, with extreme attention to detail in our props, lighting, sound and the projections used during the show to allow us to access an even fuller story. We are very lucky to have an epic production company and cast.
What are you most looking forward to about taking this show on tour?
I LOVE touring! 1. I’m nosy, 2. I love shopping. So perfect for touring really. We are going to some gorgeous places and I’m so excited for my Bristolian family to come to our opening venue, Theatre Royal Bath. I have to say that everyone in the cast has been very welcoming to me as a newbie to the Emma Rice Company - I am so grateful for their friendship and it’s been non stop laughs (amongst the hard work!) so far.
What messages or themes do you think will resonate with the audiences the strongest?
This show is an honest look at friendship, parenting, and the effects of the war – it’s a family show but it doesn’t shy away from exploring young people exploring ‘grown up’ themes. They learn and experience these things together. I hope that audiences can take away the ease of acceptance of others for who they are and helping people along their journey in the world that we all share.
Malory Towers is touring the UK until August 2026. For further information, including how to book tickets can be found here.
