DATE: Wednesday 30 September, 2026
TIME: Shows 10:30 & 1pm / Workshop 11:30am
COST: $30 / $20 / Family Pass $90 / Workshop $15 per child
FOR: Recommended for children aged 3 – 10 + Adult
Details
Especially on Birthdays is an enchanting, visual theatre experience that speaks directly to children’s emotional worlds while delighting audiences of all ages. Blending physical theatre, an original musical score, visual storytelling and gentle audience interaction, the show centres on a pair of twins navigating the excitement and uncertainty of turning six. One twin is quiet and cautious, the other confident and boisterous. Their close-knit world is disrupted when their parents announce that they’ll be placed in separate classes at school. Faced with the fear of change, the shy twin decides to stay five forever. The outgoing twin, knowing birthdays can’t be celebrated alone, embarks on a mission to help their sibling learn how to make friends. What unfolds is a tender and playful journey through conflict, reconciliation and personal growth.
Using simple yet evocative objects – paper, boxes, balloons – the performers transform the stage into a shifting landscape of imagination. An original, uplifting score by Matthew Wilder (Disney’s Mulan) enhances the emotional arc, guiding audiences through moments of humour, tension and joy. With little spoken dialogue, Especially on Birthdays is accessible to diverse audiences and encourages children to interpret the story in their own way. The interactive elements invite participation without pressure, empowering young audiences to engage at their own comfort level. At its heart, the show celebrates sibling bonds, resilience, and the courage it takes to embrace change – making it an ideal experience for early childhood and primary-aged audiences.
Sign up for a Drama Workshop after the show
Your child is invited to step into the world of Especially on Birthdays — an award-winning children’s theatre show about twins, birthdays, and the courage to grow.
In this fun, creative drama workshop, children use movement, voice, and play to explore big feelings like excitement, nervousness, and bravery — and discover that being different from someone doesn’t mean you can’t be friends.
Led by a Shiny Heart teaching artist, the workshop builds confidence, creativity, and connection through drama skills including vocal expression, movement, and collaborative play. No drama experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to try. Recommended for children aged 3 – 10 and families. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.
Enter the draw for free Family Pass tickets!
Colour in a colouring page to enter the draw for a free Especially on Birthdays Family Pass.
Open to all ages. Family passes include 4 tickets. Submissions close on 18 September
How to Enter:
- Download and print a colouring-in sheet or grab a copy from the front desk at TAC
- Get creative!
- Deliver the finished artwork OR share it on social media and tag @tuggeranongarts
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Reviews
“In an interactive, family friendly showcase that will delight the little ones,” “As well as being suitable for children age 4+, mums, dads and carers will love revisiting their childhood through the magic of Especially on Birthdays.” — Sydney Theatre Reviews – August 2024
“Our students were fully engaged and loved the interactive elements — even our noise-sensitive students felt safe and comfortable. The post-show workshop deepened their enjoyment beautifully.” — L. Wiggins, Assistant Principal, Marrickville PS
“Especially on Birthdays encouraged reflection and conversation about empathy, resilience and understanding others’ feelings. A thoughtful, entertaining, and high-quality production.” — Kellie, Teacher, Wilkins PS
“It was awesome and it taught me how not to be afraid of change.” — Blake, 10y
About Shiny Heart Productions and Flight Path Theatre
Shiny Heart Productions is a children’s theatre and drama education company devoted to igniting joy, imagination, and connection. Through playful storytelling, interactive performances, and wellbeing-focused experiences, the company empowers children to grow with confidence, empathy, and resilience. By creating memorable, heart‑felt experiences for families, schools, and communities, Shiny Heart Productions helps young hearts shine and discover the transformative magic of theatre.
Flight Path Theatre, co-founded by Kate Bookallil and Siobhan Lawless, is a vibrant independent theatre in Sydney’s Inner West dedicated to bold, creative, and community-focused performance. With a strong commitment to artistic excellence, inclusion, and play, the theatre has been a platform for independent productions and drama education since 2019. The directors are excited to embark on a new journey creating and touring children’s theatre in collaboration with Shiny Heart Productions as co-producers, bringing imaginative, engaging, and heart‑felt performances to young audiences and families across communities.
Show Credits
Presented by: Shiny Heart Productions and Flight Path Theatre
Created by: Dave Brown, The PaperBoat
Co-Producers: Susan Huang, Kate Bookallil, Siobhan Lawless
Associate Director: Temeka Lawlor, The PaperBoat
Tour Director: Susan Huang
Composer: Matthew Wilder
Lighting Designer: Amy Van Gelder Brown
Technical Operator: Amy Van Gelder Brown
Notes
* The Tuggeranong Arts Centre Theatre is raked steeply. People with mobility issues are advised that the top two and bottom two rows are the most easily accessible. Please advise us if you have mobility issues and we can direct you to your seats.
