It can be difficult to find a family-friendly show that genuinely thrills children without tipping them into anarchy, but Milly’s musical adventure at Just the Tonic is an absolute delight. Billed for everyone from 0 to 99, this bright, warm-hearted production more than lives up to that promise, offering music, storytelling, and imagination that young audiences can instantly connect with.

After a scene setting introduction from the cast, we meet Milly (Lizzy Monds), who comes from a world without music. When she passes through a magical storybook, she must find four songs to make her way home again. Milly is a charming and happy character who is polite to everyone she meets, but also brave danger when danger threatens. As she skips through the story, she meets a colourful collection of characters who need her help and reward her kindness with a song.

 

The birds, hedgehogs, and beavers are brought to life with infectious energy by the cast, whose commitment keeps the audience engaged throughout. The hungry snake antagonist (Michael Rincon) stands out, sweeping in with just the right amount of menace and giving children plenty of chances to boo and hiss.

 

Tom Rolfe has created a wonderfully imaginative story for young children, full of clear and valuable messages about kindness, helping others, and staying safe around strangers. These themes are woven in with a light touch, making them easy for younger audiences to understand without ever slowing down the fun. The audience interaction adds a playful pantomime-style sparkle, and although it occasionally feels shoehorned in, the children (and indeed the parents) absolutely loved it.

The set is as you would expect of a fringe production and modest budget, relying on simplicity and colour rather than spectacle. The puppetry is especially lovely, bringing a nostalgic charm for adults while giving children just enough gentle peril to keep them excited. With a running time of around 40 minutes, the show is well suited to children under seven.

 

This is a wholesome, genuinely engaging Fringe show with a positive message, singing animals, cheerful audience participation and jokes that land with both children and adults,

 

Milly’s Musical Adventure is a fantastic choice, and the entire cast fill the stage with warmth and enthusiasm.

 

A brilliant children’s show: really engaging, beautifully told and bursting with heart.

 

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Four Stars.

Playing at:- Just The Tonic at The Caves – Just The Fancy Room until 30th August

Tickets and further information can be found following the link below

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/a-picture-book-musical-milly-s-musical-adventure

Credits:

Co-Composers: Joe Sartin, Michael Rincón, Adam Marké and Tom Rolph

Lyrics by: Tom Rolph, Joe Sartin and Michael Rincón

Book by: Tom Rolph

Arranged by: Joe Sartin, Michael Rincón, and Adam Marké

Directed by: Tom Rolph

Choreography by: Alice Metherell

Puppets by: Cai Williams

Illustrations by: Charlotte Connelly