Our Productions

Current Shows 

Especially on Birthdays

Flight Path Theatre and Shiny Heart Productions proudly present The PaperBoats production of Especially on Birthdays. Now performing at Flight Path Theatre, and touring to NSW schools, theatres and community venues. 

“An interactive family friendly showcase that will delight the little ones... mums, dads and carers will love revisiting their childhood through the magic of Especially on Birthdays”

5 stars, Sydney Theatre Reviews

“It was awesome and it taught me how not to be afraid of change”

Blake, 10 years old

About the Show

Especially on Birthdays is an award-winning, interactive 42-minute visual theatre show for children aged 3-12. 

Part performance. Part game. Part celebration. 

Especially on Birthdays captures all the joy, excitement and concerns of twins facing their sixth birthday. Told that they'll be in separate classes after their birthday, one twin - quiet and fearful of change - decides to stay five forever, while the other - boisterous and brave - tries to help them discover the joy of growing up and making new friends.

Igniting imagination through a world of paper and boxes, using play, movement, music, and thoughtful audience participation, children step into the story as active co-creators, gently supporting and experiencing the emotional ups and downs alongside the twins, as they navigate big feelings, embrace differences, celebrate friendship, and find the courage to grow. Together, we explore themes of: 

• Sameness and difference

• Friendship, empathy, and kindness

• Courage, change, and self-discovery

Featuring stunning visual imagery, a mostly non-verbal narrative, and an enchanting original score by Matthew Wilder (Disney’s Mulan), this inclusive production is accessible and captivating for children of all abilities. Created by The Paperboats and proudly presented by Flight Path Theatre and Shiny Heart Productions, Especially on Birthdays offers a rich and emotionally resonant theatre experience, deeply connecting with young hearts while delighting audiences of all ages.

The NSW production of Especially on Birthdays premiered during the inaugural Lights Up Kids Festival at Flight Path Theatre in August 2024, and is the current resident children’s show at Flight Path Theatre. 

"Through the magic of everyday objects such as paper and boxes, we are transported, with every sense tingling, to the world of twins where a special event provokes differing childlike reactions according to the personalities. The performances were compelling. Their emotions and movements had such appeal and honesty. This show takes us to the heart of childhood." 

Janeen Brian, Children's Book Author

The Team

Co-producers: Kate Bookallil and Siobhan Lawless (Flight Path Theatre), Susan Huang (Shiny Heart Productions)

Conceived and directed by: Dave Brown (The PaperBoats)

2024 Remount Director: Temeka Lawlor (The PaperBoats)

Associate/Tour Director: Susan Huang 

Music Composer: Matthew Wilder (Disney’s Mulan)

Lighting Consultant: Bob Weatherly (The PaperBoats)

Lighting and Sound Operator: Amy Van Gelder Brown

Performers: Susan Huang, Maliyan Blair

Past performers/understudies: Matt Abotomey, Amy Van Gelder Brown

Photography: Philip Le Masurier 

Booking Information

Especially on Birthdays is now open for bookings across NSW to performing arts/community venues and schools. The production is available as an excursion to Flight Path Theatre or an incursion in your school. 

Dates: 2026-2027
Locations: 

• Flight Path Theatre, Marrickville or

• Touring: NSW Theatres, community venues and school halls/gym. (min space 9 x 6m)

Duration: 42 minutes (no interval)
Suitable for Age: 3-12 and families

Accessible: for all learning abilities with relaxed performances and Auslan interpreted performances available by request. 
Key Themes: Friendship, Difference, Empathy, Courage, Change

SEL Focus:  Self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making. 
Optional Add ons: Interactive Drama Workshops, Teacher/Education Resource Pack, 8 week in-school drama education program. 

More Info/bookings: Email hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au

Information for Schools

Especially on Birthdays is available for school bookings during the 2026 school year. Choose an excursion to Flight Path Theatre or host an incursion in your school hall, gym, or classroom (minimum space: 9m x 6m).

Access everything you need to plan your visit and integrate the show into your teaching program:

Download the Especially on Birthdays Information Pack for Schools

Download the Teacher Resource Pack

For questions or bookings, please email: hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au

Why Schools Love it

• Aligned with the Australian & NSW K–6 Curriculum (Drama, English, PDHPE, General Capabilities – SEL)

• Supports core Drama learning with an engaging, high-energy performance that brings curriculum outcomes to life.

• Builds empathy, emotional literacy, and social skills

• Interactive and inclusive storytelling with active audience participation

• Accessible for diverse learners, with relaxed performances and Auslan-interpreted performances avaiable by request

• Supported by workshops, an 8-week in-school drama program, and classroom resources designed by experienced drama educators

Optional Add ons: 

• 8 week in-school drama education program, curriculum aligned, delivered  weekly at your school by our experienced teaching artists. 

• Interactive 40 min Drama Workshop, excellent post-show add on for your students.  

• Teacher/Education Resource Pack with curriculum aligned pre/post discussion and activities. 

Discover our school drama education programs here.

School Booking Information

Dates: 2026 School Terms 1 - 4 

Excursion: Flight Path Theatre, Marrickville or 

Incursion: At your school hall/gym/classroom (min space 9 x 6 m)

Duration: 42 mins (no interval)

Curriculum Links: Drama, PDHPE, English, General Capabilities, SEL

Suitable for: Year level K-6 and support classes. 

More Info: Email hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au

"Absolutely fantastic! Our children were so engrossed in the show throughout the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was so wonderful to see them wonder what was happening and why, recognising the various emotions, and relating to the characters." 

Carrie, Goodstart Lead Educator

Touring Information for theatres and community centres

Bring Especially on Birthdays to your venue and delight your community with this accessible, heartwarming performance . 

To receive the presenter pack, please email: hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au

“An interactive family friendly showcase that will delight the little ones... mums, dads and carers will love revisiting their childhood through the magic of Especially on Birthdays”

5 stars, Sydney Theatre Reviews

Watch the Trailer

♥️ Audience Testimonials and Reviews ♥️

Teacher Reviews:

One of the best excursions I have been to. The students absolutely loved it. The show was engaging, the workshop was fun for the children. It's a fun atmosphere that caters to the needs of all our students which is so helpful. Our special unit students attended their first excursion and it was amazing for them, so thank you.

Hanna El-Far, assistant principal, Auburn West PS

Especially on Birthdays was fantastic. Our kids were engaged during the performance, following along and waiting to find out what happened next. It was great that kids could be involved during the show and that it was an interactive experience. The way the show was performed meant that our noise sensitive kids could be engaged and excited as well. The kids loved the interactive workshop afterwards working with people with real life drama experience. It allowed them to incorporate skills they had seen on display in the show and test them out. It’s been amazing to have programs and activities linked to the show for the kids to further deepen their drama learning! 

L. Wiggins, Assistant Principal, Marrickville PS

The students were really captivated by the performance. With so much symbolism incorporated it was awesome to dissect the themes afterwards and discuss how the actors portrayed events. The sound design enhanced the play and highlighted how actors don't always have to have plenty of words to say, they can tell a story through meaningful movement. The students were on a real high after the show and shared how much fun the drama workshop was. The whole experience definitely ignited the drama bug from within. - Emily, Teacher, Marrickville West PS

The students were captivated by the playful energy of the show, particularly the humour, physical theatre, and the way the performers interacted with the audience. They loved the creativity in how everyday situations were brought to life on stage, sparking lots of laughter and excitement.The themes of sibling relationships, growing up, and navigating emotions resonated strongly with our students. The performance encouraged reflection and conversation about empathy, resilience, and the importance of understanding others’ feelings. It also linked beautifully to English and Drama outcomes by showing how storytelling, body language, and stagecraft can communicate ideas beyond words. Especially on Birthdays is a thoughtful, entertaining, and high-quality production that engages students while supporting both their learning and wellbeing. - Kellie, Teacher, Wilkins PS

Absolutely fantastic! Our children were so engrossed in the show throughout the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was so wonderful to see them wonder what was happening and why, recognising the various emotions, and relating to the characters. We were so grateful for the opportunity to engage our children in drama which we believe not only nurtures our children’s creative thinking and imagination, but also builds their understanding of people’s emotions. We look forward to having more opportunities like this to enrich our children’s learning in the future. Thank you. Carrie, Educator, Goodstart Marrickville. 

I was amazed how it drew all their attention, they were very engaged and I also found it very resourceful for learning about emotions. So I highly recommend it to all schools. Jen, Educator, Addison Rd ELC. 

Student Reviews:
The play that we watched was amazing! It was well written, very clear, and full of emotion! The actors' talent made me feel like I was really there! I understood the story line quite well, but I will admit some parts were puzzling. The next scene always explained my confusion.The music portrayed the scene's emotional state and I was hooked! The comedy and the tragedy were a perfect balance! I have nothing bad to say! Kudos. - Stage 3 Student, Wilkins PS

I love how since there wasn’t much talking you can really interpret it in
many different ways. It was so impressive how they can tell a story
without saying anything at all. I loved how the audience got to interact
with such an amazing play. It was so enchanting and fascinating to watch.
I love how they had a complication and a sweet resolution. - Stage 3 Student, Wilkins PS

I loved how expressive it is and how they talked about the challenges they faced and even when it was hard they overcame it and didn't give up. It was sweet and emotional and I loved how they expressed their feelings with movement and props instead of talking. I also enjoyed how they got people to come up and act in their amazing story. - Stage 3 Student, Wilkins PS

Last month my school took us, stage 3, to see a play at the Flight Path Theater. Everyone was so excited and we had so much fun.
The play was about two twins having the best 6th birthday of their lives!
I really loved how they involved the audience because it made it really fun and more interesting. It was funny and really well made and they had some really cool tricks. They didn't need to talk much because they explained everything perfectly using facial expressions and body language. I liked how they had to face some challenges but they managed to get through them and I really liked how they had cool paper props. I think you should go see it because it's kid friendly, fun and funny! - Stage 3 Student, Wilkins PS

It was awesome and it taught me how not to be afraid of change -  Blake, 10

It was amazing and fun. Did make me cry but was good - Charlotte 9 

I loved it! All of it! - Cleo 7 

I absolutely loved it. From thrills and laughs to “oh that’s sad”. I awed at your talent. Hope to meet again! - Jahnava 12

I loved it, I love being part of it. - Raife 6

Parent reviews:
So beautiful and performed brilliantly. A show for everyone . - Mel, parent

Such a beautiful play for kids and grown ups. Loved it! - Anna, parent

Lots of fun, very interactive! Great for the kids. - Diane, parent

Drama Workshops

Lights Up Kids Festival

Images: 1. Especially on Birthdays 2024, image by Philip Le Masurier. 2. Kids Drama Workshops , image by IWD. 3.Woven Intergenerational Storytelling Workshop Aug 2024, image by Philip Le Masurier. 4. Glow Show 2024, image by Shiny Heart.  5. Lights Up Kids Fest at Flight Path Theatre 2024, image by Shiny Heart.