Mem Fox’s children’s books are iconic for capturing Australian culture, and her charming tale Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is no exception. The story, beautifully illustrated in the book by Julie Vivas, follows the boy with four names as he embarks on a mission to restore the memory of his favourite resident at the old people’s home next door.

A string quartet from the Australian Chamber Orchestra has taken the gorgeous imaginative elements of the story and poured them into the stage show, which is written and directed by Sandra Eldridge and features performer Joshua Reckless as Wilfrid.

Walking into the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Space Theatre, there’s a gentle sound of seagulls cawing.

The set – Wilfrid’s back verandah, which doubles as the aged care home – has the same natural and brown tones as in the book. It’s a quintessential Australian yard, complete with festoon lighting and a clothesline.

Four musicians share the stage with the actors. Dressed as residents in their slippers, sleepwear and flowing garments, they add a delightful soundtrack. Two also briefly transform into the characters of Mum and Dad.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. Photo: Daniel Boud

The viola, cello and two violins jump seamlessly from one story to the next – from a lively samba and spooky sounds, to “The Last Post” and even something reminiscent of the Wide World of Sports theme when Mr Tippett – who’s crazy about cricket – appears. Paul Stanhope’s score, filled with heart and fun, manages to perfectly embody every theme of the book with strings.

The performance is part book reading, part musical and part chamber music concert. At 30 minutes, it’s the perfect length to keep the attention of little ones.

While Joshua Reckless brings Wilfrid to life with light and whimsy, it’s actor Annie Byron (Wolf Creek 2 and Muriel’s Wedding) who captivates, no matter which of her six characters she’s embodying.

Byron cycles through all of the aged-care residents in the book with a quick change of props, a voice change and a little imagination. She brings a warmth and sense of play to the stage that boosts this story of friendship across the generations.

The costumes have an uncanny likeness to those in the book, a detail that will keep avid fans of Fox’s version happy.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge closes with a delightful Q&A, with the four musicians being questioned by all the curious little minds in the room.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge was presented at the Space Theatre on Saturday and Sunday as part of the DreamBIG Children’s Festival, which continues until May 27.