“Could a donkey ever become an astronaut?”
I always enjoy seeing a new story brought to the stage, especially one that isn’t already a household name. Toto, adapted from Ximo Abadia’s beautifully illustrated children’s book, follows a young donkey determined to defy expectations and pursue their dream of becoming an astronaut. At its heart, it is an uplifting story about perseverance, self-belief and refusing to let others define your future.
Productions like this are a reminder of why it is so important for companies such as Polka and Topper & Fred to take creative risks on lesser-known stories. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Led by Inès Mazdon Delas as Toto, the cast of four work seamlessly together to create a colourful collection of characters that bring Toto’s world to life. Their sharp movement, playful performances and strong ensemble work ensure the show’s themes shine through.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the music. Adapted for the stage with music and lyrics by Harry Blake, the production features a collection of memorable songs that are both catchy and surprisingly sophisticated. Particularly effective for me were the numbers that accompany Toto’s arrival in the big city, bringing energy, humour and momentum to the story. The cast’s commitment to the musical elements is evident throughout, with strong individual vocals and especially impressive ensemble singing. The choreography adds further vitality, creating some of the show’s most engaging moments.
Audience participation is woven effectively into the production, with repeating movement sequences that encourage children to join in and become part of the adventure. These moments help maintain engagement and create a shared sense of fun. There is also welcome comic relief from Mucho Dinero, played by Ricardo Castro, whose attempts to whip the audience of wannabe donkeys into shape generate some of the production’s biggest laughs.
The message of Toto’s journey is clear and heartfelt: never give up on your dreams. Toto faces setbacks and challenges but succeeds through bravery, resourcefulness and an unwavering belief in themself. It’s a positive message for the young audience the show is aimed at, and one that resonates throughout the production.
For me, the show’s greatest strength is also what occasionally works against it. There is a lot packed into the story, with multiple character arcs, subplots and emotional beats. While this gives the production ambition, at times I found myself wishing it stayed a little closer to the simplicity and directness of Abadia’s original tale.
Toto is a charming and musically rich production with an important message at its centre. Its talented cast and joyful score make it an enjoyable adventure for young audiences, reminding them to never give up on their dreams.
Teddy’s review: “I liked that it was about a donkey going into space. My favourite bit was going into space, but it was too long to get to that bit.”
Toto is aimed at ages 3-8 years and will run in Polka’s Y C Chan Theatre from Saturday 10 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. We were provided with 2 complimentary tickets to the press performance.